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Golden Globe winner has Oscar in his sights

Andy Watson
BBC Radio Newcastle
BBC Peter Straughan sits in front of the poster for his latest film, Conclave. He's been visiting the Tyneside Cinema in Newcastle. BBC
Peter Straughan, has been nominated for an Oscar for best Adapted Screenplay.

The screenwriter of Academy Award-nominated film Conclave said he has been "surprised" at the success of the film.

Peter Straughan, originally from Gateshead, came back to Tyneside to speak with fellow writers after picking up a Golden Globe award last month for Best Adapted Screenplay.

"It's the first time I've been home in a long time and I've got to say I got emotional when I was driving over the Tyne Bridge," he said.

The screenwriter spoke at an event at Newcastle's Live Theatre Company, ahead of viewings of Conclave at the Tyneside Cinema this weekend.

The religious drama Conclave was adapted for the screen by Straughan from the book of the same name written by Robert Harris.

Straughan, who has worked on scripts for BBC drama Wolf Hall, said the North East always holds a "special" place in his heart.

"Coming back home is brilliant.

"The Live Theatre is where I got my start as a writer and I feel in love with film watching along at the Tyneside Cinema. They're brilliant venues," he said.

Getty Images Peter Straughan, wearing a tuxedo, stands in front of an advertising board, lifting his Golden Globe award with his right hand after winning best Adapted Screenplay in January 2025. Getty Images
Conclave's only win a the Golden Globes last month was for Best Adapted Screenplay.

Straughan said he was currently working on other projects and would like to write a script based in the North East.

He said: "When I was starting out I never wanted to write about home. I always looked further afield.

"But coming back made me think I would love to write something and have it filmed in the North East."

Having picked up a Golden Globe for Conclave, and the Best Adapted Screenplay BAFTA for Tinker Taylor Solider Spy in 2012, Straughan believes winning an Oscar would "complete" the set.

"I really want it. I'm imagining putting all three next to each other in a glass case with spotlights," he added.

The 2025 Academy Awards will be presented in Los Angeles on 2 March.

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