View source for Ralph Fiennes

{{Short description|English actor and director (born 1962)}}
{{Distinguish|Ranulph Fiennes}}
{{Use British English|date=August 2019}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2022}}
{{Infobox person
| name               = Ralph Fiennes
| alt                = Fiennes in a suit, standing on the red carpet
| image              = Ralph Fiennes 2024.jpg
| caption            = Fiennes in 2024
| birth_name         = Ralph Nathaniel Twisleton Wykeham Fiennes
| birth_date         = {{Birth date and age|1962|12|22|df=y}}
| birth_place        = [[Ipswich]], [[Suffolk]], England
| citizenship        = {{ubl|United Kingdom|Serbia (honorary; since 2017)}}
| years_active       = 1985–present
| notable_works      = [[Ralph Fiennes on screen and stage|Full list]]
| alma_mater         = [[Royal Academy of Dramatic Art]]
| occupation         = {{hlist|Actor|producer|director}}
| spouse             = {{marriage|[[Alex Kingston]]|1993|1997|end=div}}
| partner            = [[Francesca Annis]] (1995–2006)
| father             = [[Mark Fiennes]]
| mother             = [[Jennifer Lash]]
| relatives          = {{ubl
|[[Joseph Fiennes]] (brother)
|[[Magnus Fiennes]] (brother)
|[[Martha Fiennes]] (sister)
|[[Sophie Fiennes]] (sister)
|[[Hero Fiennes Tiffin]] (nephew)
|[[Ranulph Fiennes]] (third cousin, once removed)
}}
| family             = [[Twisleton-Wykeham-Fiennes family|Twisleton-Wykeham-Fiennes]]
| awards             = [[List of awards and nominations received by Ralph Fiennes|Full list]]
| module             = {{Listen
| embed    = yes
| filename = Ralph Fiennes BBC Radio4 Front Row 20 Nov 2011 b01772hm.flac
| title    = Fiennes's voice
| type     = speech
| description = from the BBC programme ''[[Front Row (radio programme)|Front Row]]'', 20 November 2011.<ref>{{Cite episode |title= Ralph Fiennes |series= Front Row |series-link= Front Row (radio programme) |url= http://bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01772hm |station= [[BBC Radio 4]] |date= 20 November 2011 |access-date= 18 January 2014 |archive-date= 20 February 2014 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140220075728/http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01772hm |url-status= live }}</ref>}}
}}
'''Ralph Nathaniel Twisleton-Wykeham-Fiennes'''{{efn|This person has the [[Double-barrelled name#British tradition|barrelled surname]] ''[[Twisleton-Wykeham-Fiennes family|Twisleton-Wykeham-Fiennes]]'', but is known by the surname ''Fiennes''.}} ({{IPAc-en|r|eɪ|f|_|ˈ|f|aɪ|n|z}};<ref name="EW-19940304" /> born 22 December 1962) is an English actor and director. Recognised for [[Ralph Fiennes on screen and stage|his work on stage and screen]], has received [[List of awards and nominations received by Ralph Fiennes|numerous accolades]], including a [[British Academy Film Awards|BAFTA Award]] and a [[Tony Awards|Tony Award]], as well as nominations for three [[Academy Awards]], seven [[Golden Globe Awards]], and a [[Primetime Emmy Awards|Primetime Emmy Award]].

Born in [[Ipswich|Ipswich, Suffolk]], Fiennes was trained at and graduated from the [[Royal Academy of Dramatic Art]] in 1985. A [[William Shakespeare|Shakespeare]] interpreter, he excelled onstage at the [[Royal National Theatre]] before having further success at the [[Royal Shakespeare Company]]. In 1995, Fiennes made his [[Broadway theatre|Broadway]] debut playing [[Prince Hamlet]] in the revival of ''[[Hamlet]]'', for which he won the [[Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play|Tony Award for Best Leading Actor in a Play]]. He was later [[Tony Awards|Tony]]-nominated for his role as a traveling [[faith healer]] in the [[Brian Friel]] play ''[[Faith Healer]]'' (2006).

Fiennes made his film debut playing [[Heathcliff (Wuthering Heights)|Heathcliff]] in ''[[Emily Brontë's Wuthering Heights]]'' (1992). He has earned three [[Academy Award]] nominations for his performances in the films ''[[Schindler's List]]'' (1993), ''[[The English Patient (film)|The English Patient]]'' (1996), and ''[[Conclave (film)|Conclave]]'' (2024). He has also acted in ''[[Quiz Show (film)|Quiz Show]]'' (1994), ''[[Maid in Manhattan]]'' (2002), ''[[The Constant Gardener (film)|The Constant Gardener]]'' (2005), ''[[In Bruges]]'' (2008), ''[[The Reader (2008 film)|The Reader]]'' (2008), ''[[The Duchess (film)|The Duchess]]'' (2008), ''[[The Hurt Locker]]'' (2009), ''[[The Grand Budapest Hotel]]'' (2014), ''[[A Bigger Splash (2015 film)|A Bigger Splash]]'' (2015), ''[[Hail, Caesar!]]'' (2016), ''[[The King's Man]]'' (2021), and ''[[The Menu (2022 film)|The Menu]]'' (2022).

Fiennes gained wider recognition for playing [[Lord Voldemort]] in the [[Harry Potter (film series)|''Harry Potter'' film series]] (2005–2011) and [[M (James Bond)|Gareth Mallory / M]] in the ''[[James Bond in film|James Bond]]'' films (2012–2021); he has voiced roles in the animated films ''[[The Prince of Egypt]]'' (1998), ''[[Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit]]'' (2005), ''[[Kubo and the Two Strings]]'' (2016), and ''[[The Lego Batman Movie]]'' (2017). He directed and starred in the films ''[[Coriolanus (film)|Coriolanus]]'' (2011) and ''[[The Invisible Woman (2013 film)|The Invisible Woman]]'' (2013).<ref>{{Cite web|title=Coriolanus, review|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/film/filmreviews/9025942/Coriolanus-review.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/film/filmreviews/9025942/Coriolanus-review.html |archive-date=10 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|access-date=4 February 2021|website=The Telegraph|date=21 January 2012 |language=en-GB}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Aside from acting, Fiennes has served as an ambassador for [[UNICEF UK]] since 1999.

== Early life and education ==
{{further|Twisleton-Wykeham-Fiennes family|Baron Saye and Sele}}

Fiennes was born in [[Ipswich]], England, on 22 December 1962.<ref>{{cite news |title=Ralph Fiennes |url=https://www2.bfi.org.uk/films-tv-people/4ce2baa9c4878 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160330130236/http://www.bfi.org.uk/films-tv-people/4ce2baa9c4878 |url-status=dead |archive-date=30 March 2016 |access-date=4 December 2022 |publisher=British Film Institute}}</ref> He is the eldest child of [[Mark Fiennes]] (1933–2004), a farmer and photographer, and [[Jennifer Lash]] (1938–1993), a writer.<ref name="Guardian">[https://www.theguardian.com/film/1999/nov/14/1 "It's Raiph actually"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170823121137/https://www.theguardian.com/film/1999/nov/14/1 |date=23 August 2017 }}. ''[[The Guardian]]''. Retrieved 10 April 2008</ref> He is the grandson of [[Maurice Fiennes]], great-grandson of [[Twisleton-Wykeham-Fiennes family|Alberic Arthur Twisleton-Wykeham-Fiennes]], and great-great-grandson of [[Frederick Fiennes, 16th Baron Saye and Sele|Frederick Benjamin Twisleton-Wykeham-Fiennes]], 16th [[Baron Saye and Sele]], <ref name="burke">{{cite book |title=[[Burke's Peerage|Burke's Peerage, Baronetage & Knighthood]] |publisher=Burke's Peerage & Gentry |year=2003 |isbn=0-9711966-2-1 |editor=Mosley, Charles |editor-link=Charles Mosley (genealogist) |edition=107 |ref=Burke}}</ref> who was born Frederick Benjamin Twisleton.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5GodAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA84 |title=The Gentleman's Magazine (London, England) |publisher=F. Jefferies |year=1847 |page=84}}</ref>  The surname Fiennes is of [[Normans|Norman]] origin.<ref name="actors">[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W_HKw3jYdLM James Lipton interview with Ralph Fiennes] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160610202202/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W_HKw3jYdLM |date=10 June 2016 }}, on ''[[Inside the Actors Studio]]''</ref>

He is the eldest of six children. His siblings are actor [[Joseph Fiennes]]; director [[Martha Fiennes]] (he played the title role in her film ''[[Onegin (1999 film)|Onegin]]''); composer [[Magnus Fiennes]]; [[film director|filmmaker]] [[Sophie Fiennes]]; and [[conservation movement|conservationist]] Jacob Fiennes. His foster brother, Michael Emery, is an archaeologist. His nephew, [[Hero Fiennes Tiffin]], played Tom Riddle, young [[Lord Voldemort]], in ''[[Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (film)|Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince]]''.<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Coggan |first1=Devan |title=Eddie Redmayne Auditioned to Play Tom Riddle in 'Harry Potter' |url=https://ew.com/article/2016/11/14/eddie-redmayne-tom-riddle-harry-potter-fantastic-beasts/ |access-date=23 December 2018 |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |date=14 November 2016 |language=en |archive-date=31 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220531134706/https://ew.com/article/2016/11/14/eddie-redmayne-tom-riddle-harry-potter-fantastic-beasts/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

Fiennes attended [[Bishop Wordsworth's School]] in [[Salisbury]] from 1976 to 1981, and went on to study painting at [[Chelsea College of Arts]] before deciding that acting was his true passion.<ref>{{cite web |title=Famous Wordsworthians |url=https://www.bishopwordsworths.org.uk/main-school/home/wordsworthians/ |access-date=16 July 2025 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Ralph Fiennes: 'Don't be complacent. Have the courage to speak your mind' |url=https://www.bigissue.com/culture/film/ralph-fiennes-dont-be-complacent-have-the-courage-to-speak-your-mind/ |access-date=21 December 2024 |work=Big Issue |archive-date=29 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241229011009/https://www.bigissue.com/culture/film/ralph-fiennes-dont-be-complacent-have-the-courage-to-speak-your-mind/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Career==
=== 1983–1992: Theater work and film debut ===
[[File:Hand prints in Leicester Square, London - Ralph Fiennes (4039281033).jpg|thumb|Fiennes's handprints from 1996 at [[Leicester Square]], London, in recognition of the film ''[[Strange Days (film)|Strange Days]]'' (1995)]]
Fiennes trained at [[RADA]] (the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art) in London between 1983 and 1985.<ref>{{cite book |title=Off stage : 100 portraits celebrating the RADA centenary |author=Jones, Cambridge |author-link=Cambridge Jones |via=[[Internet Archive]] |date=2005 |publisher=Dewi Lewis Media |isbn=9780954684327 |url=https://archive.org/details/offstage100portr0000jone |access-date=24 April 2024}}</ref> He began his career at the [[Regent's Park Open Air Theatre|Open Air Theatre, Regent's Park]], and also at the [[Royal National Theatre|National Theatre]]. He achieved prominence at the [[Royal Shakespeare Company]] (RSC).<ref name="actors" /> Fiennes first worked on screen in 1990 when he starred as [[T. E. Lawrence]] in the British television film ''[[A Dangerous Man: Lawrence After Arabia]]''. He made his film debut in 1992 as [[Heathcliff (Wuthering Heights)|Heathcliff]] in ''[[Emily Brontë's Wuthering Heights]]'' opposite [[Juliette Binoche]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Ralph Fiennes |url=https://www.britannica.com/biography/Ralph-Fiennes |access-date=26 July 2023 |work=Encyclopedia Britannica |archive-date=15 March 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180315200603/https://www.britannica.com/biography/Ralph-Fiennes |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Binoche, Fiennes Joined in 'Wuthering Heights' |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/tv/1997/10/12/binoche-fiennes-joined-in-wuthering-heights/9e3e4dbb-1f39-4754-80ab-79789a11cc4c/ |access-date=7 October 2022 |newspaper=The Washington Post |last1=Zad |first1=Martie |archive-date=26 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180626080544/https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/tv/1997/10/12/binoche-fiennes-joined-in-wuthering-heights/9e3e4dbb-1f39-4754-80ab-79789a11cc4c/ |url-status=live }}</ref> He had a major role in [[Peter Greenaway]]'s historical drama film ''[[The Baby of Mâcon]]'' with [[Julia Ormond]], which provoked controversy and was poorly received.

=== 1993–2004: Breakthrough and acclaim ===
In 1993, he portrayed the brutal [[Nazism|Nazi]] [[Nazi concentration camps|concentration camp]] commandant [[Amon Göth]] in [[Steven Spielberg]]'s historical [[holocaust]] drama epic ''[[Schindler's List]].''<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ushmm.org/museum/exhibit/focus/antisemitism/voices/transcript/?content=20100304 |title=Voices on Antisemitism &#124; Transcript |publisher=Ushmm.org |access-date=24 December 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120118210205/http://www.ushmm.org/museum/exhibit/focus/antisemitism/voices/transcript/?content=20100304 |archive-date=18 January 2012 }}</ref> Todd McCarthy, film critic of ''[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]'' praised his performance describing it as "extraordinary" adding that he "creates an indelible character in Goeth. With paunch hanging out and eyes filled with disgust both for his victims and himself, he’s like a minor-league Roman emperor gone sour with excess, a man in whom too much power and debauchery have crushed anything that might once have been good."<ref>{{cite web|url= https://variety.com/1993/film/reviews/schindler-s-list-2-1200434300/|title= Schindler's List|website= Variety|date= 20 November 1993|accessdate= February 24, 2025}}</ref> For his performance in the film, he was nominated for the [[Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor]] and won the [[BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role|BAFTA Award for Best Supporting Actor]].<ref name="actors" /> His portrayal of Göth also saw him listed at number 15 on the [[American Film Institute|AFI]]'s [[AFI's 100 Years...100 Heroes & Villains|list of the top 50 film villains]]. Fiennes gained weight to portray Göth, but shed it afterwards.<ref name="EW-19940304">{{cite magazine |last=Cagle |first=Jess |url=https://ew.com/article/1994/03/04/its-pronounced-rafe-fines/ |title=It's Pronounced 'Rafe Fines' |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |date=4 March 1994 |access-date=7 November 2012 |archive-date=9 April 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150409020429/http://www.ew.com/article/1994/03/04/its-pronounced-rafe-fines |url-status=live }}</ref> Fiennes later stated that playing the role had a profoundly disturbing effect on him.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/features/desert-island-discs/castaway/5e0bc1e5#p00941wp |title=Desert Island Discs – Castaway: Ralph Fiennes |publisher=BBC |date=31 October 1999 |access-date=7 March 2012 |archive-date=24 November 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111124083607/http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/features/desert-island-discs/castaway/5e0bc1e5#p00941wp |url-status=live }}</ref>

In 1994, Fiennes portrayed the American academic [[Charles Van Doren]] in [[Robert Redford]]'s historical drama ''[[Quiz Show (film)|Quiz Show]]'' acting opposite [[John Turturro]] and [[Paul Scofield]]. The film centered around the ''[[Twenty-One (game show)|Twenty-One]]'' [[1950s quiz show scandals|quiz show scandals]] of the 1950s. The film received critical acclaim as well as a nomination for the [[Academy Award for Best Picture]]. In 1996, he was nominated for the [[Academy Award for Best Actor]] for playing [[László Almásy]] in the epic World War II romantic drama ''[[The English Patient (film)|The English Patient]],'' in which he starred with [[Kristin Scott-Thomas]] and reunited with Binoche.<ref name="actors" /> David Ansen of ''[[Newsweek]]'' wrote, "once you're hooked, it never loses its grip on your emotions. A great deal of the credit belongs to Fiennes and Scott Thomas, who ignite on screen together."<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.newsweek.com/mapping-heart-176360|title= Mapping Heart|website= Newsweek|date= 10 November 1996|accessdate= February 24, 2025}}</ref> He starred in the romantic drama ''[[Oscar and Lucinda (film)|Oscar and Lucinda]]'' (1997) opposite [[Cate Blanchett]], played [[John Steed]] in spy comedy ''[[The Avengers (1998 film)|The Avengers]]'' (1998), and voiced [[Ramesses II]] in an animated Biblical epic ''[[The Prince of Egypt]]'' (1998).

Fiennes's film work has encompassed a variety of genres, including [[Thriller film|thrillers]] (''[[Spider (2002 film)|Spider]], [[Strange Days (film)|Strange Days]]''), [[romantic comedy]] (''[[Maid in Manhattan]]''), and historical drama (''[[Sunshine (1999 film)|Sunshine]]''). In 1999, Fiennes had the [[Eugene Onegin|title role]] in ''[[Onegin (1999 film)|Onegin]],'' a film which he also helped produce. His sister [[Martha Fiennes]] directed, and brother [[Magnus Fiennes|Magnus]] composed the score. Fiennes portrayed [[Francis Dolarhyde]] in the 2002 film, ''[[Red Dragon (2002 film)|Red Dragon]]'', a prequel to ''[[The Silence of the Lambs (film)|The Silence of the Lambs]]'' and ''[[Hannibal (2001 film)|Hannibal]]''. Fiennes's performance as a sympathetic serial killer with a romantic relationship with a blind girl, played by [[Emily Watson]], was praised. Film critic [[David Sterritt]] wrote, "Ralph Fiennes is scarily good as [Hannibal Lecter's] fellow lunatic."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.csmonitor.com/2002/1004/p15s02-almo.html |last=Sterritt |first=David |title=The doctor is in: Hannibal returns in 'Lambs' prequel |work=Christian Science Monitor |date=4 October 2002 |access-date=16 March 2019 |archive-date=22 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191222190947/https://www.csmonitor.com/2002/1004/p15s02-almo.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Fiennes voiced [[Jesus]] in ''[[The Miracle Maker (1999 film)|The Miracle Maker]]'' (2000), a stop-motion animated film depicting the life of Jesus.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Watts |first1=Murray |title=The Miracle Maker |date=2000 |publisher=Hodder & Stoughton |isbn=978-0-340-73563-3 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=kMzBHAAACAAJ |access-date=18 April 2024 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Miracle Maker comes to big screen |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/696058.stm |access-date=18 April 2024 |work=news.bbc.co.uk |publisher=BBC News |date=31 March 2000 |quote=A joint Welsh and Russian-made animated film on the life of Jesus starring Ralph Fiennes. |archive-date=16 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241216221738/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/696058.stm |url-status=live }}</ref>
[[Image:2003-10-06 ralph fiennes in Bishkek.jpg|thumb|left|Fiennes gives autographs to fans in Kyrgyzstan, in 2003, during his visit as a [[UNICEF UK]] ambassador|220x220px]]

=== 2005–2011: ''Harry Potter'' and stardom ===
In 2005, Fiennes starred in [[Fernando Meirelles]]'s ''[[The Constant Gardener (film)|The Constant Gardener]]'', a film based off the [[The Constant Gardener|2001 novel of the same name]] by [[John le Carré]] acting alongside [[Rachel Weisz]].<ref name="actors" /> The film is set in [[Kenya]]. It was filmed in part with residents from the slums of [[Kibera]] and [[Loiyangalani]]. The film received critical acclaim in particular for Fiennes and Weisz's performances. Todd McCarthy of ''[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]'' wrote that "Fiennes does some of his finest screen acting" in the film.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://variety.com/2005/film/awards/the-constant-gardener-3-1200523872/|title= The Constant Gardener|website= Variety|date= 15 August 2005|accessdate= February 24, 2025}}</ref> He received a [[British Academy Film Award]] nomination for [[BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role|Best Actor in a Leading Role]]. The situation affected the cast and crew to such an extent that they set up the [[Constant Gardener Trust]] to provide basic education for children of these villages. Fiennes is a patron of the charity.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.constantgardenertrust.org/html/patrons.htm| title=Constant Gardener Trust – Patrons| publisher=UNICEF| access-date=10 April 2008| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080316234711/http://www.constantgardenertrust.org/html/patrons.htm| archive-date=16 March 2008| url-status=dead}}</ref>

Fiennes is also a patron of the [[Shakespeare Schools Festival]], a charity that enables school children across the UK to perform Shakespeare in professional theatres.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.shakespeareschools.org/about-us/patrons |title=Shakespeare Schools Foundation Patrons |website=Shakespeare Schools Foundation |publisher=[[Shakespeare Schools Foundation]] |access-date=9 July 2021 |archive-date=11 December 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171211165434/https://www.shakespeareschools.org/about-us/patrons |url-status=dead }}</ref> That same year, Fiennes voiced Lord Victor Quartermaine in the 2005 stop-motion animated comedy ''[[Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit]]''. The role saw him play a cruel upper class [[wikt:bounder|bounder]] who courts Lady Tottington ([[Helena Bonham Carter]]) and despises [[Wallace & Gromit]].<ref>{{cite web|last1=DeMott|first1=Rick|title=Wallace & Gromit Leads Annie Nominations|url=http://www.awn.com/news/wallace-gromit-leads-annie-nominations|publisher=Animation World Network|access-date=14 September 2019|date=5 December 2005|archive-date=18 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190618021055/https://www.awn.com/news/wallace-gromit-leads-annie-nominations|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Brown|first1=Maressa|title='Wallace & Gromit' grabs 10 Annie Awards|url=https://variety.com/2006/digital/awards/wallace-gromit-grabs-10-annie-awards-1117937443/|access-date=14 September 2019|work=Variety|date=5 February 2008|archive-date=2 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211202203015/https://variety.com/2006/digital/awards/wallace-gromit-grabs-10-annie-awards-1117937443/|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:Ralph Fiennes retouched.jpg|thumb|upright|Fiennes in New York City, 2006]]
Fiennes gained worldwide prominence for his portrayal as [[Lord Voldemort]], the antagonist in the [[Harry Potter franchise]]. His first appearance was in the 2005 fantasy film [[Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (film)|''Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire'']]. He returned to the role for three other films in the series: [[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (film)|''Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix'']] (2007) and both ''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1]]'' (2010) and ''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2|Part 2]]'' (2011). In an interview with ''[[Empire (film magazine)|Empire]]'' magazine, Fiennes said his portrayal of Voldemort was an "instinctive, visceral, physical thing".<ref>{{cite news |title=Ralph Fiennes didn't receive Voldemort tips from J.K Rowling |url=https://www.datathistle.com/article/106928-ralph-fiennes-didnt-receive-voldemort-tips-from-j-k-rowling/ |access-date=20 March 2019 |publisher=Data Thistle |archive-date=4 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220704215830/https://www.datathistle.com/article/106928-ralph-fiennes-didnt-receive-voldemort-tips-from-j-k-rowling/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In a 2024 interview with [[Collider (website)|Collider]], Fiennes expanded on playing the character saying, "When I play Voldemort, I'm trying to access something without empathy. It's about power and control and the manipulating of people for power. It's a real, almost erotic pleasure in how I can control you. I know I have the power to do it. You have no chance."<ref>{{cite web|url= https://collider.com/harry-potter-voldemort-ralph-fiennes-reaction-20-years-later/|title= "It's a Real, Almost Erotic Pleasure": Ralph Fiennes Reflects on Voldemort's Malignant Presence in the 'Harry Potter' Films|website= Collider|date= 31 December 2024|accessdate= February 24, 2025}}</ref>

In 2006, Fiennes returned to the stage in ''[[Faith Healer]]'' alongside [[Ian McDiarmid]]. The revival premiered at the [[Gate Theatre]] in [[Dublin]] before transferring to the [[Broadway theatre|Broadway stage]] at the [[Booth Theatre]]. For his performances, Fiennes received a [[Tony Award]] nomination for [[Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play|Best Actor in a Play]]. In 2008, he worked with frequent collaborator director [[Jonathan Kent (director)|Jonathan Kent]], playing the title role in ''[[Oedipus Rex|Oedipus the King]]'' by [[Sophocles]], at the [[Royal National Theatre|National Theatre]] in London.

In 2008, he played the [[William Cavendish, 5th Duke of Devonshire|Duke of Devonshire]] in the film [[The Duchess (film)|''The Duchess'']] opposite [[Keira Knightley]]; he also played the protagonist in ''[[The Reader (2008 film)|The Reader]],'' adapted from [[The Reader|the novel of the same name]] alongside [[Kate Winslet]]. That same year he also appeared in [[Martin McDonagh]]'s [[black comedy]] crime thriller ''[[In Bruges]]'' starring [[Colin Farrell]] and [[Brendan Gleeson]]. In February 2009, Fiennes was the special guest of the [[Belgrade]]'s Film Festival [[FEST (Belgrade)|FEST]]. He filmed [[Coriolanus (film)|his version]] of Shakespeare's ''[[Coriolanus]]'' (in his directorial debut) in the Serbian capital of Belgrade. Fiennes reunited with [[Kathryn Bigelow]] for her [[Iraq War]] film ''[[The Hurt Locker]],'' released in 2009, appearing as an English Private Military Contractor. They had previously worked together on ''[[Strange Days (film)|Strange Days]]'' (1995). In April 2010, he played [[Hades]] in ''[[Clash of the Titans (2010 film)|Clash of the Titans]]'', a remake of the 1981 film of the same name.

=== 2012–2019: Established career ===
[[File:Ralph Fiennes MingFilmFest 2011.jpg|thumb|Fiennes with Eddie and Gloria Minghella at the 2011 Minghella Film Festival in England|left]]
In 2012, he appeared in the twenty-third [[James Bond in film|James Bond film]], ''[[Skyfall]],'' directed by [[Sam Mendes]]. He replaced Dame [[Judi Dench]] as [[M (James Bond)|M]] in subsequent Bond films.<ref>[https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/film/jamesbond/9628354/Skyfall-James-Bond-review.html "Skyfall, James Bond, review"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180202002434/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/film/jamesbond/9628354/Skyfall-James-Bond-review.html |date=2 February 2018 }}. ''The Telegraph.'' Retrieved 29 October 2012</ref> That same year, he played [[Abel Magwitch]] in ''[[Great Expectations (2012 film)|Great Expectations]]'' (2012), directed by [[Mike Newell (director)|Mike Newell]] based on the [[Charles Dickens]] [[Great Expectations|novel of the same name]]. He acted alongside ''Harry Potter'' alumni [[Robbie Coltrane]] and [[Helena Bonham-Carter]]. David Rooney of ''[[The Hollywood Reporter]]'' wrote of his performance that "Fiennes is feral and frightening" adding, "[He] is a touching figure of unexpected integrity and enormous pathos".<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/toronto-film-festival-great-expectations-review-helena-bonham-carter-369565/|title= Great Expectations Toronto Review|website= [[The Hollywood Reporter]]|date= 11 September 2012|accessdate= February 26, 2025}}</ref> Also in 2012, he reprised his role of [[Hades]] again acting opposite [[Liam Neeson]]'s [[Zeus]] in the action fantasy sequel ''[[Wrath of the Titans]]''. Despite the film receiving negative reviews it was a financial success.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.boxofficemojo.com/release/rl977962497/|title= Wrath of the Titans (2012)|website= BoxOfficeMojo|accessdate= February 26, 2025}}</ref> In 2013, Fiennes returned to the directors chair helming over the biographical romance drama ''[[The Invisible Woman (2013 film)|The Invisible Woman]]'' where he also acted portraying the leading role of [[Charles Dickens]] opposite [[Felicity Jones]] as [[Ellen Ternan]]. The film was well-received with [[Peter Bradshaw]] of ''[[The Guardian]]'' writing, "Fiennes himself portrays a complex figure: a showman, an egotist and an applause-addict whose lovers and children were his enablers, but also a genuine artist and social idealist. This is an engrossing drama, with excellent performances".<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.theguardian.com/film/2014/feb/06/the-invisible-woman-review|title= The Invisible Woman review|website= [[The Guardian]]|date= 6 February 2014|accessdate= February 26, 2025|last1= Bradshaw|first1= Peter}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Shoard |first=Catherine |title=Ralph Fiennes to direct story of Charles Dickens affair |newspaper=The Guardian |date=10 August 2011 |url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2011/aug/10/ralph-fiennes-charles-dickens |access-date=4 May 2014 |archive-date=5 May 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140505054219/http://www.theguardian.com/film/2011/aug/10/ralph-fiennes-charles-dickens |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[File:Ralph Fiennes 2013.jpg|thumb|upright|Fiennes at the [[BFI London Film Festival|London Film Festival]], October 2013]]
Though he is not commonly noted as a comic actor, in 2014, Fiennes made an impression with his farcical turn as a flirty and eccentric [[concierge]], Monsieur Gustave in [[Wes Anderson]]'s comedy-drama ''[[The Grand Budapest Hotel]].'' Fiennes used his time as a young porter at London's [[Brown's Hotel]] to help construct the character.<ref name="empire-100-greatest" /> Film critic Jocelyn Noveck of ''[[Boston.com|Boston Magazine]]'' stated, "In the end it's Fiennes who makes the biggest impression. His stylised, rapid-fire delivery, dry wit and cheerful profanity keep the film bubbling along."<ref>{{cite web|last=Noveck |first=Jocelyn |url=http://www.boston.com/ae/films/2014/03/05/review-fiennes-shows-comic-chops-anderson-film/FITpEQUsv2WCmrjcNU9GQI/story.html |title=Review: Fiennes shows comic chops in Anderson film |publisher=Boston.com |date=5 March 2014 |access-date=25 May 2014}}</ref> For his performance, Fiennes was nominated for the [[Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy]] and the [[BAFTA Award for Best Actor|BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role]]. Film magazine ''[[Empire (film magazine)|Empire]]'' ranked Fiennes's portrayal of Gustave as the 17th Greatest Movie Character of All Time.<ref name="empire-100-greatest">{{cite web |url=https://www.empireonline.com/movies/features/100-greatest-movie-characters/ |title=The 100 Greatest Movie Characters/ 17. / Empire / |access-date=13 July 2022 |magazine=Empire |date=10 August 2020 |publisher=Bauer Consumer Media |archive-date=30 June 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150630105200/http://www.empireonline.com/100-greatest-movie-characters/default.asp?c=43 |url-status=live }}</ref>

In 2015, Fiennes starred in [[Luca Guadagnino]]'s thriller ''[[A Bigger Splash (2015 film)|A Bigger Splash]]'' alongside [[Dakota Johnson]] and [[Tilda Swinton]]. In 2016, Fiennes appeared in the [[Coen brothers]] ensemble comedy film ''[[Hail, Caesar!]]'' which is set in 1950s Hollywood. Fiennes plays the fictional Laurence Laurentz, an acclaimed European film director in the movie. That same year, he lent his voice in the [[stop-motion]] animated film ''[[Kubo and the Two Strings]]'' where he played Raiden the Moon King, Kubo's grandfather.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://imgur.com/gallery/6kHIOUI/|title=First still of "A Bigger Splash": Matthias Schoenaerts, Tilda Swinton, Dakota Johnson and Ralph Fiennes|work=imgur.com|date=27 July 2015|access-date=28 July 2015|archive-date=19 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151019103051/http://imgur.com/gallery/6kHIOUI/|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2017, he voiced the British butler [[Alfred Pennyworth]] in ''[[The Lego Batman Movie]]'' and reprised the role in ''[[The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part]]'' (2019).<ref>{{cite news|last1=McNary|first1=Dave|title='Lego Batman' Casts Ralph Fiennes as Alfred|url=https://variety.com/2015/film/news/lego-batman-ralph-fiennes-alfred-1201632383/|access-date=25 January 2020|work=Variety|date=3 November 2015|archive-date=8 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151108221915/http://variety.com/2015/film/news/lego-batman-ralph-fiennes-alfred-1201632383/|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2018, he directed and starred in ''[[The White Crow]]'', a biographical drama film about the Russian ballet dancer [[Rudolf Nureyev]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.filmoria.co.uk/shooting-wraps-on-ralph-fiennes-the-white-crow/|title=Shooting Wraps On Ralph Fiennes' The White Crow – Filmoria|website=www.filmoria.co.uk|date=30 October 2017|access-date=31 October 2017|archive-date=2 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171102110527/http://www.filmoria.co.uk/shooting-wraps-on-ralph-fiennes-the-white-crow/|url-status=live}}</ref> Fiennes speaks some [[Russian language|Russian]], which enabled him to play [[Alexander Pushkin (ballet dancer)|Alexander Pushkin]] in the film.<ref>{{cite web|title=Ralph Fiennes: the era of English-speaking actors doing foreign accents is over|website=[[The Daily Telegraph|The Telegraph]]|date=13 March 2019|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2019/03/13/ralph-fiennes-era-english-speaking-actors-foreign-accents/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190313173423/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2019/03/13/ralph-fiennes-era-english-speaking-actors-foreign-accents/|archive-date=13 March 2019|url-status=live|author-first1=Anita|author-last1=Singh}}</ref> He received the Special Achievement Award for Outstanding Artistic Contribution at [[Tokyo International Film Festival|the Tokyo International Film Festival]] for directing the film ''[[The White Crow]]''. In 2019, Fiennes played the MI6 agent [[Norman Darbyshire]] in Taghi Amirani's feature documentary ''[[Coup 53]]''. Darbyshire, who died in 1993, was the co-author of 1953's [[Operation Ajax]], a joint MI6–CIA military coup that overthrew democracy in Iran.<ref>{{cite news | url = https://www.washingtonpost.com/goingoutguide/movies/coup-53-movie-review/2020/08/18/c40fbece-dd93-11ea-b205-ff838e15a9a6_story.html | title = Documentary illuminates the secret history of the 1953 Iranian coup | last = Hornaday | first = Ann | date = 18 August 2020 | access-date = 28 September 2020 | newspaper = The Washington Post | archive-date = 16 September 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200916153239/https://www.washingtonpost.com/goingoutguide/movies/coup-53-movie-review/2020/08/18/c40fbece-dd93-11ea-b205-ff838e15a9a6_story.html | url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.screendaily.com/reviews/coup-53-london-review/5143718.article | title = Coup 53: London Review | first = Allan | last = Hunter | newspaper = Screen Daily | date = 10 October 2019 | access-date = 12 October 2022 | archive-date = 27 September 2022 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220927100815/https://www.screendaily.com/reviews/coup-53-london-review/5143718.article | url-status = live }}</ref>

=== 2020–present ===
[[File:Ralph Fiennes from "The White Crow" at Opening Ceremony of the Tokyo International Film Festival 2018 (31747095048).jpg|thumb|upright|Fiennes at the 2018 Tokyo Film Festival]]
In 2020, Fiennes voiced a tiger in the family fantasy adventure film ''[[Dolittle (film)|Dolittle]]'' starring [[Robert Downey Jr.]] In the same year, he appeared in the monologue play ''[[Beat the Devil (play)|Beat the Devil]]'' by [[David Hare (playwright)|David Hare]] at the [[Bridge Theatre]] in London,<ref>{{cite news| title=Beat the Devil review – righteous rage of David Hare's corona nightmare | first=Arifa | last=Akbar | newspaper= The Guardian | date=30 August 2020 }}</ref> and then in the 2021 film version of the play.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.ft.com/content/226b5a5c-4968-4698-95e7-5eb12e033b72 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221210/https://www.ft.com/content/226b5a5c-4968-4698-95e7-5eb12e033b72 |archive-date=10 December 2022 |url-access=subscription | title=Ralph Fiennes gives voice to David Hare's Covid rage in Beat the Devil | newspaper=[[Financial Times]] | first=Dan | last=Einav | date=3 November 2021 }}</ref> Also in 2021, he starred in the British drama film ''[[The Dig (2021 film)|The Dig]]'' playing the Suffolk [[archaeologist]] [[Basil Brown]] alongside [[Carey Mulligan]] and [[Lily James]]. The film received positive reviews with critics praising his performance. ''[[The Guardian]]'' critic [[Mark Kermode]] described Fiennes's portrayal as having an "admirable eloquence".<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.theguardian.com/film/2021/jan/31/the-dig-review-sutton-hoo-carey-mulligan-ralph-fiennes|author-first1=Mark|author-last1=Kermode|title= The Dig review – a quiet meeting of minds at Sutton Hoo|newspaper= [[The Guardian]]|date= 31 January 2021|access-date= 1 February 2021|archive-date= 16 February 2021|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210216182000/https://www.theguardian.com/film/2021/jan/31/the-dig-review-sutton-hoo-carey-mulligan-ralph-fiennes|url-status= live}}</ref> Later in 2021, Fiennes starred in [[Matthew Vaughn]]'s period spy film ''[[The King's Man]]'' and [[Cary Joji Fukunaga]]'s [[James Bond]] film ''[[No Time to Die]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Nicholson |first=Tom |date=7 December 2018 |title=Léa Seydoux, Ben Whishaw, Ralph Fiennes and the Gang Will Return for Bond 25 |url=https://www.esquire.com/uk/latest-news/a25433130/lea-seydoux-ben-whishaw-ralph-fiennes-and-the-gang-will-return-for-bond-25/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190110225829/https://www.esquire.com/uk/latest-news/a25433130/lea-seydoux-ben-whishaw-ralph-fiennes-and-the-gang-will-return-for-bond-25/ |archive-date=10 January 2019 |url-status=live |website=Esquire |language=en-GB |access-date=25 March 2019}}</ref>

In 2021, Fiennes returned to the stage in David Hare's latest play ''[[Straight Line Crazy]]'' at the [[Bridge Theatre]] in London. In the play, Fiennes portrays New York's legendary urban planner [[Robert Moses]]. His performance has received rave reviews with ''[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]'' declaring, "Fiennes is all boldly convincing, controlled threat, his monomania teetering on the edge of malevolence".<ref>{{cite web|url= https://variety.com/2022/legit/reviews/straight-line-crazy-review-ralph-fiennes-david-hare-1235214559/|title= 'Straight Line Crazy' Review: Ralph Fiennes Plays Robert Moses in David Hare's Talky New Play|website= [[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|date= 25 March 2022|access-date= 26 March 2022|archive-date= 14 April 2022|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20220414073710/https://variety.com/2022/legit/reviews/straight-line-crazy-review-ralph-fiennes-david-hare-1235214559/|url-status= live}}</ref> In ''[[The Guardian (newspaper)|The Guardian]]''{{'}}s five star rave review, critic [[Mark Lawson]] described Fiennes's performance as "enthralling" and an "acting triumph".<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2022/mar/24/straight-line-crazy-review-ralph-fiennes-bridge-theatre-london|title= Straight Line Crazy review – Ralph Fiennes enthrals as the man who shaped New York|website= The Guardian|date= 24 March 2022|access-date= 26 March 2022|archive-date= 13 April 2022|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20220413202539/https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2022/mar/24/straight-line-crazy-review-ralph-fiennes-bridge-theatre-london|url-status= live}}</ref> It was announced that the production would make its New York stage debut, [[Off-Broadway]] at [[The Shed (arts center)|The Shed]] running from October to December in 2022.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://variety.com/2022/theater/news/ralph-fiennes-new-york-stage-robert-moses-david-hare-straight-line-crazy-1235304100/|title= Ralph Fiennes Returning to New York Stage as Robert Moses in 'Straight Line Crazy'|website= [[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|date= 27 June 2022|access-date= 27 June 2022|archive-date= 27 June 2022|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20220627160328/https://variety.com/2022/theater/news/ralph-fiennes-new-york-stage-robert-moses-david-hare-straight-line-crazy-1235304100/|url-status= live}}</ref> In 2022, Fiennes starred as chef Julian Slowik in the [[Mark Mylod]]-directed comedy horror ''[[The Menu (2022 film)|The Menu]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://collider.com/the-menu-ralph-fiennes-featurette/|title='The Menu's New Featurette Previews the Horrors of Ralph Fiennes' Mad Chef|website=Collider|last=Romanchick|first=Shane|date=7 November 2022|access-date=11 November 2022|archive-date=11 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221111221715/https://collider.com/the-menu-ralph-fiennes-featurette/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2022/sep/11/the-menu-review-darkly-comic-foodie-thriller|title=The Menu review – darkly comic foodie thriller is tasty but undercooked|work=The Guardian|last=Lee|first=Benjamin|date=11 September 2022|access-date=11 November 2022|archive-date=11 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221111221715/https://www.theguardian.com/film/2022/sep/11/the-menu-review-darkly-comic-foodie-thriller|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=White |first=Abbey |date=24 November 2022 |title=How 'The Menu' Explores Ego and Exploitation in Fine Dining |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-features/how-the-menu-explores-ego-exploitation-fine-dining-1235268540/ |access-date=25 November 2022 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |language=en-US |archive-date=25 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221125003737/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-features/how-the-menu-explores-ego-exploitation-fine-dining-1235268540/ |url-status=live }}</ref> For his performance he received a nomination for the [[Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy]]. Also in 2022 Fiennes collaborated with his sister, the filmmaker [[Sophie Fiennes]], translating to the screen his production and performance of [[T. S. Eliot]]'s poem, ''[[Four Quartets]]''. The original on-stage performance was described as "a magnificent theatrical experience"<ref>{{Cite news |last=Brennan |first=Clare |date=2021-06-06 |title=Four Quartets review – Ralph Fiennes meets TS Eliot in a triumphant return |language=en-GB |work=The Observer |url=https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2021/jun/06/four-quartets-review-ralph-fiennes-meets-ts-eliot-in-a-triumphant-return |access-date=2023-07-12 |issn=0029-7712}}</ref> and "a poignant one-man show about a world under threat."<ref>{{Cite web |title=Four Quartets, starring Ralph Fiennes |url=https://www.radiotimes.com/programme/b-71q4pp/the-four-quartets-starring-ralph-fiennes/ |access-date=2023-07-12 |website=Radio Times |language=en |archive-date=9 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230409112820/https://www.radiotimes.com/programme/b-71q4pp/the-four-quartets-starring-ralph-fiennes/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In Sophie Fiennes's film "the lens and the screen bring a new, even more intimate, perspective".<ref>{{cite news |id={{ProQuest|2735685428}} |last1=Einav |first1=Dan |title=Pick of the week |newspaper=Financial Times |date=15 October 2022 |page=18 }}</ref>

In 2023, Fiennes reunited with the director [[Wes Anderson]] in an anthology of short films adapted from the works of British author, [[Roald Dahl]], ''[[The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar and Three More]]'' (2023). The series, which sees Fiennes play Dahl in the [[The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar (film)|eponymous first short]], also featured performances from [[Benedict Cumberbatch]], [[Dev Patel]], and [[Ben Kingsley]] with the eponymous short going on to win the [[Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film]] at the [[96th Academy Awards]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Sundby |first=Alex |date=March 10, 2024 |title=See the full list of Oscar nominations for the 2024 Academy Awards |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/oscars-nominations-2024-academy-awards-list/ |url-status=live |access-date=January 20, 2025 |work=CBS News |archive-date=26 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126163638/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/oscars-nominations-2024-academy-awards-list/ }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.indiewire.com/2022/01/wes-anderson-roald-dahl-wonderful-story-henry-sugar-netflix-1234689310/|title= Wes Anderson to Direct Roald Dahl's 'Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar' for Netflix with Benedict Cumberbatch|website= [[IndieWire]]|date= 7 January 2022|access-date= 7 January 2022|archive-date= 4 November 2022|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20221104155906/https://www.indiewire.com/2022/01/wes-anderson-roald-dahl-wonderful-story-henry-sugar-netflix-1234689310/|url-status= live}}</ref> Fiennes starred on stage as [[Macbeth (character)|Macbeth]] in late 2023 as part of [[Simon Godwin]]'s touring production in the UK. The play, which also starred [[Indira Varma]] as [[Lady Macbeth]], was a success, beginning at Liverpool's The Depot in November, before moving on to Edinburgh, London, and Washington, DC.<ref>{{cite news |title=Macbeth review – Ralph Fiennes' monstrous monarch wages war in a warehouse |url=https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2023/nov/30/macbeth-review-ralph-fiennes-the-depot-liverpool |access-date=16 January 2024 |work=The Guardian}}</ref> In 2024, Fiennes starred in the [[Edward Berger]] film ''[[Conclave (film)|Conclave]]'', for which he received an [[Academy Award for Best Actor]] nomination. In 2025, Fiennes starred in [[Danny Boyle]]'s ''[[28 Years Later]]'', the third film in the series which is set in a post-apocalyptic Britain 28 years after ''[[28 Days Later]]'' (2002).<ref>{{cite news |title=Ralph Fiennes, Jodie Comer, And Aaron Taylor-Johnson Fight For Their Lives In 28 Years Later Trailer |url=https://www.empireonline.com/movies/news/ralph-fiennes-jodie-comer-and-aaron-taylor-johnson-fight-for-their-lives-in-28-years-later-trailer/ |access-date=21 December 2024 |work=Empire |archive-date=19 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241219221217/https://www.empireonline.com/movies/news/ralph-fiennes-jodie-comer-and-aaron-taylor-johnson-fight-for-their-lives-in-28-years-later-trailer/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Ralph Fiennes reveals plot of 28 Days Later sequel ahead of official synopsis |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/news/conclave-cillian-murphy-ralph-fiennes-b2636701.html |access-date=21 December 2024 |work=The Independent |archive-date=24 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241224200154/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/news/conclave-cillian-murphy-ralph-fiennes-b2636701.html |url-status=live }}</ref> 

Fiennes returned to the stage in June 2025, starring as the Victorian stage star Sir [[Henry Irving]] opposite [[Miranda Raison]] who plays the stage actress [[Ellen Terry]], in David Hare's play ''Grace Pervades'', which explores the working and romantic relationship of Irving and Terry, with the play transferring to the [[West End theatre|West End]] in April 2026.<ref>{{cite news |title=Grace Pervades review – Ralph Fiennes and Miranda Raison exceptional as Victorian stage stars |url=https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2025/jul/04/grace-pervades-review-ralph-fiennes-miranda-raison-david-hare |access-date=2 November 2025 |work=The Guardian}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=David Hare's ode to 150 years of theatre |url=https://observer.co.uk/culture/theatre/article/david-hares-ode-to-150-years-of-theatre-ralph-fiennes-theatre-bath |access-date=2 November 2025 |website=The Observer |language=en}}</ref> In 2026, Fiennes will star in ''[[The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping]]'', the sixth film in the [[The Hunger Games (franchise)|''Hunger Games'' series]], as President Coriolanus Snow, previously portrayed by [[Donald Sutherland]] and [[Tom Blyth]].<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/hunger-games-sunrise-on-the-reaping-ralph-fiennes-snow-1236219336/|title= Ralph Fiennes to Play President Snow in 'Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping' (Exclusive)|website= The Hollywood Reporter|date= 16 May 2025|accessdate= May 16, 2025}}</ref>

==Personal life==
Fiennes met English actress [[Alex Kingston]] while they were both students at the [[Royal Academy of Dramatic Art]]. After dating for ten years, they married in 1993 and divorced in 1997 following his affair with [[Francesca Annis]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2002/jul/07/features.magazine|title=Intensive care|last=Ellen|first=Barbara|date=7 July 2002|work=The Observer|location=UK|access-date=7 April 2011|archive-date=6 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211106180634/https://www.theguardian.com/film/2002/jul/07/features.magazine|url-status=live}}</ref> Annis and Fiennes separated on 7 February 2006, after 11 years together,<ref name=Auld09>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/theatre/drama/5136654/Francesca-Annis-interview.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/theatre/drama/5136654/Francesca-Annis-interview.html |archive-date=10 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=Francesca Annis interview |newspaper=The Telegraph |access-date=30 August 2015}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Hoggard |first=Liz |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/profiles/francesca-annis-pretty-woman-466292.html |title=Francesca Annis: Pretty woman&nbsp;– Profiles&nbsp;– People&nbsp;– The Independent |publisher=www.independent.co.uk |date=12 February 2006 |access-date=30 August 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150510185301/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/profiles/francesca-annis-pretty-woman-466292.html |archive-date=10 May 2015 }}</ref> in a parting described as "acrimonious", following rumours that he had an affair with the Romanian singer Cornelia Crișan.<ref name=Auld09/>

In 2007, Fiennes had sex with a [[Qantas]] flight attendant on a flight from [[Darwin, Northern Territory|Darwin]] to [[Mumbai]]. After initial denials, it was established that they had sex in the plane's lavatory, and the flight attendant's employment was terminated by Qantas.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/ralph-fiennes-i-was-the-victim/news-story/551550c0c43564fb58e9ed6ff7d8c1ca|title= Ralph Fiennes: I was the victim|newspaper= Daily Telegraph|date= 17 February 2007|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170414054005/http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/ralph-fiennes-i-was-the-victim/news-story/551550c0c43564fb58e9ed6ff7d8c1ca|archive-date=14 April 2017|url-status=live|last1= Hudson|first1=Fiona}}</ref> The incident was referenced in the Australian sketch TV show ''[[Comedy Inc. (Australian TV series)|Comedy Inc]]''.<ref>{{Citation |title=Airliner {{!}} Comedy Inc |date=30 May 2019 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xteIIckefpY |language=en |access-date=18 May 2022 |archive-date=18 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220518181002/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xteIIckefpY |url-status=live }}</ref>

On 7 September 2017, Fiennes was granted [[Serbian citizenship]], signed by Serbian Prime Minister [[Ana Brnabić]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Rudić|first=Filip|title=Actor Ralph Fiennes Receives Serbian Citizenship|url=http://www.balkaninsight.com/en/article/actor-ralph-fiennes-receives-serbian-citizenship-09-11-2017|access-date=11 September 2017|agency=Balkan Insight|date=11 September 2017|archive-date=11 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170911162521/http://www.balkaninsight.com/en/article/actor-ralph-fiennes-receives-serbian-citizenship-09-11-2017|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Advocacy and political views===

Fiennes has previously worked with UNICEF UK and has undertaken work in India, [[Kyrgyzstan]], Uganda and Romania. Fiennes is also a member of the Canadian charity Artists Against Racism.<ref>[http://artistsagainstracism.org/artists/ "Artists Against Racism: Artists"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181007013905/http://artistsagainstracism.org/artists/ |date=7 October 2018 }}. artistsagainstracism.org</ref>

Fiennes opposed the UK leaving the [[European Union]] ([[Brexit]]). Following the [[2016 United Kingdom European Union membership referendum|EU membership referendum in 2016]], Fiennes stated, "I'm strongly a [[Britain Stronger in Europe|remainer]]. I think that our connection with Europe, faulty as it may be in its current state&nbsp;... it seems to me that the point of the EU was to take down barriers of interactive trade, culture, between cultures, nations."<ref>{{cite news |title=Two Women: Ralph Fiennes interview on Brexit, adapting play and learning Russian | date=13 September 2016 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hoUl0JeXKHQ/ | archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211028/hoUl0JeXKHQ| archive-date=28 October 2021|access-date=15 April 2019 |via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

In a March 2021 interview with ''[[The Daily Telegraph]],'' Fiennes voiced support for [[J. K. Rowling]] following backlash against her views on [[Transgender|transgender people]], arguing: "I can't understand the vitriol directed at her. I can understand the heat of an argument, but I find this age of accusation and the need to condemn irrational. I find the level of hatred that people express about views that differ from theirs, and the violence of language towards others, disturbing."<ref name= Hibberd2021>{{cite news |first= James |last= Hibberd |url= https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/ralph-fiennes-defends-j-k-rowling-amid-trans-controversy-says-backlash-is-disturbing-4151944/ |title= Ralph Fiennes defends J.K. rowling amid trans controversy, says backlash is 'disturbing' |date= 17 March 2021 |access-date= 26 March 2022 |work= [[The Hollywood Reporter]] |archive-date= 27 March 2022 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20220327154853/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/ralph-fiennes-defends-j-k-rowling-amid-trans-controversy-says-backlash-is-disturbing-4151944/ |url-status= live }}</ref>

==Acting credits and accolades==
{{main|Ralph Fiennes on screen and stage|List of awards and nominations received by Ralph Fiennes|l2 = awards and nominations}}

==See also==
* [[List of British actors]]
* [[List of Academy Award winners and nominees from Great Britain]]
* [[List of actors with Academy Award nominations]]
* [[List of actors with more than one Academy Award nomination in the acting categories]]

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{commons category}}
* {{IMDb name|146}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20120118210205/http://www.ushmm.org/museum/exhibit/focus/antisemitism/voices/transcript/?content=20100304 ''Voices on Antisemitism'' Interview with Ralph Fiennes] from the [[United States Holocaust Memorial Museum|U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum]]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20120813095857/http://www.bafta.org/access-all-areas/latitude/latitude-2011-ralph-fiennes,1997,BA.html BAFTA Interview with Ralph Fiennes] recorded at Latitude Festival 2011
* [https://www.theguardian.com/film/ralphfiennes Ralph Fiennes | Film | The Guardian]
* [https://www.ft.com/topics/people/Ralph_Fiennes Ralph Fiennes | Financial Times]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20160330130236/http://www.bfi.org.uk/films-tv-people/4ce2baa9c4878 Ralph Fiennes] at the [[British Film Institute]]

{{Ralph Fiennes}}
{{Navboxes
|title = [[List of awards and nominations received by Ralph Fiennes|Awards for Ralph Fiennes]]
|list =
{{AACTA International Award for Best Actor}}
{{BAFTA Award for Best Supporting Actor}}
{{British Film Institute Fellowship}}
{{BIFA Award for Best Performance by an Actor in a British Independent Film}}
{{Boston Society of Film Critics Award for Best Supporting Actor}}
{{Chicago Film Critics Association Award for Best Supporting Actor}}
{{Critics' Choice Super Award for Best Actor in a Horror Movie}}
{{Dallas–Fort Worth Film Critics Association Award for Best Actor}}
{{Dallas–Fort Worth Film Critics Association Award for Best Supporting Actor}}
{{DramaDesk PlayActor}}
{{European Film Award for Best Actor}}
{{European Film Academy Achievement in World Cinema Award}}
{{Evening Standard British Film Award for Best Actor}}
{{Evening Standard Theatre Award for Best Actor}}
{{IFTA Award for Best International Actor}}
{{London Film Critics Circle Award for Actor of the Year}}
{{London Film Critics Circle Award for British Actor of the Year}}
{{National Society of Film Critics Award for Best Supporting Actor}}
{{New York Film Critics Circle Award for Best Supporting Actor}}
{{Online Film Critics Society Award for Best Actor}}
{{The Richard Harris Award}}
{{Stanislavsky Award}}
{{TonyAward PlayLeadActor}}
}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Fiennes, Ralph}}
[[Category:1962 births]]
[[Category:20th-century English male actors]]
[[Category:21st-century English male actors]]
[[Category:Alumni of Chelsea College of Arts]]
[[Category:Alumni of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art]]
[[Category:Audiobook narrators]]
[[Category:Best Actor AACTA International Award winners]]
[[Category:Best Actor European Film Award winners]]
[[Category:Best Supporting Actor BAFTA Award winners]]
[[Category:Drama Desk Award winners]]
[[Category:English-language film directors]]
[[Category:English emigrants to Serbia]]
[[Category:English film directors]]
[[Category:English male film actors]]
[[Category:English male Shakespearean actors]]
[[Category:English male stage actors]]
[[Category:English male television actors]]
[[Category:English male voice actors]]
[[Category:English people of Irish descent]]
[[Category:English people of Norman descent]]
[[Category:English people of Scottish descent]]
[[Category:European Film Academy Achievement in World Cinema Award recipients]]
[[Category:Fiennes family|Ralph]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Male actors from Ipswich]]
[[Category:Naturalized citizens of Serbia]]
[[Category:Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture Screen Actors Guild Award winners]]
[[Category:People educated at Bishop Wordsworth's School]]
[[Category:People educated at Newtown School, Waterford]]
[[Category:People educated at St Kieran's College, Kilkenny]]
[[Category:Royal Shakespeare Company members]]
[[Category:Scandals in Australia]]
[[Category:Serbian people of French descent]]
[[Category:Serbian people of Irish descent]]
[[Category:Serbian people of Scottish descent]]
[[Category:Shakespearean directors]]
[[Category:Theatre World Award winners]]
[[Category:Tony Award winners]]
[[Category:UNICEF goodwill ambassadors]]
[[Category:English expatriate male actors in the United States]]