Happy Tuesday, dear readers! Each week, we’ll rank the top 10 films in a specific category. While we aim to tie these lists to big releases, that won’t always be the case. Our goal? For you to enjoy, share your own lists, and join in on a lively, friendly debate. This is an interactive space to build community here at The Contending.
No fancy intros, no long essays – just a category and a list. Sound good?
This weekend, Edward Berger’s Conclave arrives in theaters for a limited release. The film features Ralph Fiennes as a cardinal tasked with orchestrating the election of the next pope following the death of his predecessor. As the process unfolds, he uncovers a secret that raises questions about several frontrunners for the Holy See. Based on the compelling novel by Robert Harris, the film also stars Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, Isabella Rossellini, and Sergio Castellitto, and is distributed by Focus Features. I’ve been predicting this film as a frontrunner since March, and Clarence and I were fortunate enough to attend its World Premiere in Telluride.
This week, we’re shining a spotlight on the illustrious career of Ralph Fiennes. With two Academy Award nominations to his name, Fiennes has established himself as one of the finest actors of the past four decades. From the chilling Amon Goeth in Schindler’s List to the humble Cardinal Lawrence in Conclave, let’s rank the ten best performances of Fiennes’ remarkable career to date.
10. Harry Waters in In Bruges (2008)
9. Justin Quayle in The Constant Gardener (2005)
8. Lord Voldemort in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part Two (2011)
7. Caius Martius Coriolanus in Coriolanus (2011)
6. Chef Julian Slowik in The Menu (2022)
5. Charles Van Doren in Quiz Show (1994)
4. László Almásy in The English Patient (1996)
3. Cardinal Lawrence in Conclave (2024)
2. Monsieur Gustave in The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)
1. Amon Goeth in Schindler’s List (1993)
![We Could Go See BOOP! And Predict the Tony Awards! [PODCAST]](https://thecontending.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/tonys-120x86.png)
Exceptional actor and an exceptional list with which I can't argue.
Just bonus / honorable mentions:
Coup 53 (2019) (A documentary but still, such a fine actor)
Official Secrets (2019)
The White Countess (2005) (An uneven yet beautiful & well performed family favorite)
Sunshine (1999)
Oscar and Lucinda (1997)
HOW ON EARTH THIS MAN HASN'T WON AN OSCAR?
Uh, right! Mr O'Toole and Ms Stanwyck are also there…
It is time!!
I appreciate when an actor takes a risk and pulls it off so to me his two big-swing performances in A Bigger Splash and Spider are by far his best.
A Bigger Splash just missed the list. Good call out!
I appreciate when an actor takes a risk and pulls it off so to me, his two big-swing performances in A Bigger Splash and Spider are by far his best.