It’s been 15 years since Stanley Tucci picked up his first Oscar nomination for “The Lovely Bones”; now, the character actor is back in the awards conversation, with his remarkable turn as a liberal cardinal being eyed to become the new pope in the Edward Berger’s “Conclave.”
Distributed by Focus Features, the film tells a fictionalized story about the pope selection process as secrets and alliances are exposed within the Catholic Church, reuniting Tucci with veteran actors Ralph Fiennes and Isabella Rossellini.
But it marks his first time working with Berger, who helmed by the German-language war film “All Quiet on the Western Front,” which netted four Oscars. Tucci describes Berger as a “very straightforward” director, who “has very specific ideas about what to do” without being dogmatic.
Variety had the opportunity to chat with Tucci about the multigenerational appeal of his old school thriller, how he bounces back and forth between colossal budget films like “Captain America: The First Avenger” and independent projects like “Supernova,” and the lasting impact of “The Devil Wears Prada” with a highly anticipated sequel in the works.
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(L to R) Ralph Fiennes as Cardinal Lawrence and Stanley Tucci as Cardinal Bellini in director Edward Berger’s CONCLAVE, a Focus Features release. Credit: Courtesy of Focus Features. © 2024 All Rights Reserved.
Courtesy of Focus Features. © 2024 Focus Features; LLC. All Rights Reserved.
‘Conclave’ has been very successful with the Golden Globes and Critics Choice nominations and at the box office. What has it felt like to receive all this recognition and be a part of a film that people are responding to?
Listen. It’s great when a movie like this comes along, which is rare; you’re happy about it on so many levels. One, for selfish reasons, because you have a great role and will work with amazing people, and two; you’re telling an interesting story. I knew that story because I had read the book prior: I love Robert Harris’ novels. I think they’re incredible. I read this four years ago, and they sent me the script. It was Edward and then Ralph and Isabella and John [Lithgow], and, I mean, it was like the perfect creative storm.
I know you’ve previously talked about your experience being raised in the Catholic Church and feeling detached from it. When you signed onto this project, were you consciously thinking about that?
No, not really. It showed, in no uncertain terms, the structure of this ceremony. It didn’t vilify the Catholic Church, nor does it exalt the Catholic truth. It simply shows us what’s happening there, now and then. It shows us that all of the people we put on these pedestals with their robes are just human, and that’s the most interesting part. It doesn’t judge them. It simply shows them who they are. And I think that is the beauty of the film. I don’t mean that it is successful only in terms of box office. I mean, it succeeds [overall] as a film.
I think it’s incredible to see how many different generations of moviegoers have connected with the film. Has that interest surprised you?
Yes. From what I’ve heard, I’m shocked at the diversity of the audience. Also, this is a very adult film. But it’s not pretentious. It simply shows you what’s happening. And these people are making it happen or failing and fumbling to make it happen, and I think that’s why people like it.
What do you think it is about the pope selection process that intrigues people so much?
Because it’s so secretive, this sheds light on it. There are poetic licenses that have been taken, but we had a religious advisor there all the time, and at Ralph [Fiennes]’s insistence, which I thought was great. That makes all the difference because you know you don’t want to misstep. You want to cross yourself the right way, pray the right way, and ensure all those rituals are exact. After that, we must create the emotional and political machinations behind the whole thing.
Looking back at your career highlights, even just comparing ‘Conclave’ to your last Oscar-nominated role in ‘The Lovely Bones,’ there’s so much range. What are the films you’ve been in that have stood the test of time?
I mean, certainly “The Devil Wears Prada,” “The Lovely Bones” without question, “Julie & Julia.” I made a movie with Colin Firth about five years ago called “Supernova.”
I saw that during the pandemic!
It’s an absolutely beautiful film. I love that director [Harry Macqueen] and it got wonderful reviews and everything, though there were no awards or anything like that. That made me sad for the director/writer because I think he’s extraordinary. Getting an independent film about that subject off the ground like that is hard, and I wanted him to have more. I wanted him to have more success afterward… Then you also have the fun big movies that you do. I loved “Captain America: The First Avenger,” it was one of the greatest roles and jobs I’ve ever had. I was there for three weeks and had a wonderful time, and I also loved playing that character. I was cast as a 70-year-old man at the age of 50, so that was disturbing, but that’s all right; I was flattered and insulted at the same time … You have to mix it up, as they say.
There have been talks about a sequel to ‘The Devil Wears Prada.’ Have you heard anything?
I know they’re working on it. If it happens, I would be so happy, but I cannot give you any information. Otherwise, I’ll go to the actor’s prison or something. [The original] was one of the best experiences ever.
This interview has been edited and condensed.
“Conclave” is now streaming on Peacock.