BFI Announces Guillermo del Toro as Recipient of Prestigious Fellowship
The British Film Institute (BFI) has named Academy Award-winning director Guillermo del Toro as its latest recipient of the BFI Fellowship, the organization's highest honor. This distinction comes after a decade-long collaboration between del Toro and the BFI, during which he has championed British talent and consistently pushed the boundaries of cinematic storytelling.
A true visionary in the realm of horror and fantasy filmmaking, del Toro is celebrated for his richly imaginative world-building and characters, often drawn from folklore, fairytales, literature, sci-fi, and comic books. His films, such as "Frankenstein" and "The Shape of Water," have captivated audiences worldwide with their lavish, fantastical cinematic landscapes.
Del Toro's career achievements are a testament to his dedication to the craft of filmmaking. The Oscar-winning director behind 2017's "The Shape of Water" is set to be honored at the BFI Chair's dinner in May 2026 and will take part in a public conversation about his career at the BFI Southbank.
In addition to the fellowship, del Toro will have his films showcased through a retrospective, while he will also curate his own film season at the BFI. Aspiring filmmakers will benefit from masterclasses led by del Toro himself through the BFI Academy, while a remastered 4K version of his debut feature "Cronos" (1992) is set to be re-released.
The BFI Chair's remarks underscore the significance of this recognition: "Guillermo del Toro is an extraordinary filmmaker with a long relationship with the BFI who has consistently championed British talent." By awarding him the BFI Fellowship, the organization acknowledges del Toro's remarkable contributions to cinema and his enduring influence on filmmakers and audiences alike.
The British Film Institute (BFI) has named Academy Award-winning director Guillermo del Toro as its latest recipient of the BFI Fellowship, the organization's highest honor. This distinction comes after a decade-long collaboration between del Toro and the BFI, during which he has championed British talent and consistently pushed the boundaries of cinematic storytelling.
A true visionary in the realm of horror and fantasy filmmaking, del Toro is celebrated for his richly imaginative world-building and characters, often drawn from folklore, fairytales, literature, sci-fi, and comic books. His films, such as "Frankenstein" and "The Shape of Water," have captivated audiences worldwide with their lavish, fantastical cinematic landscapes.
Del Toro's career achievements are a testament to his dedication to the craft of filmmaking. The Oscar-winning director behind 2017's "The Shape of Water" is set to be honored at the BFI Chair's dinner in May 2026 and will take part in a public conversation about his career at the BFI Southbank.
In addition to the fellowship, del Toro will have his films showcased through a retrospective, while he will also curate his own film season at the BFI. Aspiring filmmakers will benefit from masterclasses led by del Toro himself through the BFI Academy, while a remastered 4K version of his debut feature "Cronos" (1992) is set to be re-released.
The BFI Chair's remarks underscore the significance of this recognition: "Guillermo del Toro is an extraordinary filmmaker with a long relationship with the BFI who has consistently championed British talent." By awarding him the BFI Fellowship, the organization acknowledges del Toro's remarkable contributions to cinema and his enduring influence on filmmakers and audiences alike.