The British dramatist Peter Straughan has won the Oscar for best adapted screenplay for his take on Robert Harris’s papal thriller Conclave.

The writer, 56, has also won the Bafta, Golden Globe and Critics Choice award in this category for Conclave; he was previously Oscar-nominated for his 2011 adaptation of Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy.

Straughan won the Bafta for that film, which he co-wrote with his late wife, Bridget O’Connor, who died before its release, and to whom it is dedicated.

Straughan was also nominated for an Emmy for his 2015 adaptation of Hilary Mantel’s Wolf Hall for the BBC; he also wrote the second season of that drama, which aired last year.

The writer wore a ribbon with the blue-and-yellow colours of the flag of Ukraine. On the podium, he thanked his team and the film’s cast and crew, and gave a shout-out to his daughter, with whom he said he shared the award.

Conclave was the surprise victor of the best picture award at the Baftas a fortnight ago, as well as the outstanding British film award. Edward Berger’s film is nominated in eight Oscar categories.

For the adapted screenplay Oscar, Conclave beat A Complete Unknown, Sing Sing, Emilia Pérez and Nickel Boys.

The 97th Academy Awards are taking place in Los Angeles.

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