“Conclave,” a fictional drama film produced by 1985 College of Arts and Sciences graduate Mike Jackman, has been nominated for eight Oscars including Best Picture.
The 2024 film is an adaptation of Robert Harris’ 2016 novel of the same name and delves into the secretive process of electing a new pope after the sudden death of the pontiff. The film explores themes of power, faith, and humanity, featuring surprising twists and a star-studded cast that includes Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, Isabella Rossellini, Lucian Msamati, and Sergio Castellitto.
Earlier this month, the film won Best Picture at the British Academy Film Awards. It has been nominated for Actor in a Leading Role, Actress in a Supporting Role, Costume Design, Film Editing, Music (Original Score), Best Picture, Production Design, and Writing (Adapted Screenplay). If the film were to win in the Best Picture category, Jackman would be awarded.
In a conversation with Omnia, the magazine for alumni of the School of Arts and Sciences, Jackman described his role in the film as someone who “act[s] as a liaison between the creative plan and roadmap for the movie from the director and other producers and everyone who reads the script, and the budget and resources available.”
In the interview, Jackman described his excitement upon finding out the film had been nominated in the Best Picture category.
“It’s such a singular thing to have happen, to expect anything was silly, but I was obviously hoping,” he added. “You see your name up there and see it announced and it’s super exciting.”
When talking about his experience at Penn, Jackman mentioned his experience playing football and rowing. Jackman shared his deep connection to Penn, highlighting his family’s long history with the University. His father, a member of the Class of 1953, and his uncle, a 1956 graduate, both attended the University.
Although he didn’t know her at the time, his wife later attended the Wharton School, graduating in 1988. His daughter graduated from the College in 2021, and his son is currently a Wharton student in the Class of 2025. Reflecting on his time at Penn, Jackman noted that two of his closest friends are from his years at the University, emphasizing the lasting impact of his Penn experience.
Other Penn alumni with Oscar nominations include 2003 College graduate Fred Berger, who is nominated for “A Complete Unknown,” and 1979 College graduate Marc Platt who is nominated for “Wicked.”
Berger, who previously co-produced the 2017 Academy Award-winning film “La La Land,” co-produced “A Complete Unknown.” The film is a biographical musical drama focusing on the early career of Bob Dylan and follows Dylan’s journey to New York City in 1961, his interactions with musical icons like Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger, and the controversy surrounding his transition to electric instruments. The cast includes Timothée Chalamet, Edward Norton, Elle Fanning, Monica Barbaro, and others.
Platt co-produced “Wicked” and has been involved in the “Wicked” phenomenon from Broadway to the recent film adaptation. He is also a former Universal executive, and his producing career spans film, theater and television. During his time at Penn, he was part of the Glee Club. His contributions to Penn include the Platt Student Performing Arts House and the Julie Beren Platt and Marc Platt Rehearsal Room in Houston Hall. Platt met his wife at Penn and three of his children are also graduates of Penn.
The 97th Academy Awards will take place this Sunday, March 1, 2025, starting at 7 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.
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