The wildfires in Los Angeles have caused delays in announcing the 2025 Oscar nominations. However, some productions are already generating significant buzz. Among them is 'Conclave,' a papal thriller featuring Carlos Diehz, who could be a strong contender for a coveted statuette.
The film, though shot in Rome, has a prominent Latino presence through Diehz, a Mexican actor who plays Cardinal Benítez. But who exactly is Carlos Diehz?
A late start
Carlos Diehz, 53, holds a degree in architecture but has always been drawn to the arts, including drawing, painting, and singing.
"Acting is a thing I wanted to do since I was in high school. But in high school I was too shy to get into the drama club. So, I postponed, and now 30 years later and now an empty-nester, I decided I wanted to learn to do something new." Diehz told Vancouver Sun.
Diehz and his wife moved to Canada 15 years ago. In 2020, after their children became moved out of the house, he pursued his dream of acting. He debuted in several student short films, including 'The Vegan Vampire' and 'It Gets Dark Too Early,' while also taking acting lessons for future projects.
Diehz's journey to stardom began when his press agent noticed a casting call for a film called 'Conclave.' Determined, they applied.
"[Director Edward Berger] wanted to hear from me what I had in mind for the character." He told Berger that he saw Benítez as "a very pious man. If he was a missionary, then an archbishop, then a cardinal, he has what it takes to lead a group. To be at the front. I discussed these ideas with Edward, and he liked them," Diehz explained.
Weeks later, he flew to Rome to meet casting director Nina Gold. In 2022, he secured the role.
Filming for the production started in January 2023, where Diehz worked alongside renowned actors like Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, and Isabella Rossellini.
How does Diehz see Benítez?
Diehz describes Cardinal Benítez as a missionary.
"Benitez is a missionary who mostly dresses like any other civilian in his daily life, but here he has to dress the part. He has to look like the rank he has been given. So, being able to look at myself like that is kind of a strange situation. But very empowering." he shared.
Where to watch 'Conclave'
The psychological thriller, directed by Edward Berger and written by Peter Straughan, premiered worldwide on October 25, 2024. It is currently in cinemas and you can watch for free on Peacock, as well as rent it on platforms like Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play. In Mexico, it debuted on January 9 of this year.
Balancing architecture and acting
Despite achieving his acting dream, Diehz continues his work in architecture alongside his artistic career.
He has often expressed his love for architecture in interviews and shared his passion for painting and singing 1980s karaoke hits during his downtime.
With 'Conclave' gaining momentum, Carlos Diehz's inspiring story of reinvention serves as a reminder that it's never too late to follow your dreams.
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