Guillermo Del Toro

Guillermo del Toro is a Mexican filmmaker best known for his dark yet romantic fantasy films, such as Pan's Labyrinth and The Shape of Water. Born in 1964 in Guadalajara, Mexico, del Toro began his career in the early 1990s, directing Mexican horror films such as Cronos and The Devil’s Backbone. By the early 2000s, del Toro had achieved widespread fame in the United States, thanks to the success of Pan’s Labyrinth, which earned him an Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film in 2006. 

Since then, del Toro has directed a number of films with varying degrees of success. His most notable works include Hellboy, Hellboy II: The Golden Army, Pacific Rim, and Crimson Peak. His latest film, The Shape of Water, was one of the most acclaimed films of 2017, winning four Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director. 

In addition to directing films, del Toro is also a prolific producer, having produced films such as The Orphanage and Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark. He has also written a number of books and graphic novels, including The Strain trilogy and Trollhunters. He has also worked as a consultant and executive producer on a number of video games, most notably the critically-acclaimed 2017 title Shadow of the Colossus.

In 2018, del Toro was awarded the Golden Lion for lifetime achievement at the Venice Film Festival. He is widely recognized as one of the most influential filmmakers of his generation, and his films are praised for their originality, rich visuals, and complex themes. Del Toro’s films are often seen as a reflection of his own life and experiences, and he is known for his strong commitment to the use of practical effects and a detailed approach to world-building.

In addition to filmmaking, del Toro is also an avid collector of horror memorabilia and is a vocal supporter of independent Mexican cinema. He has also been involved in various humanitarian initiatives, such as producing a short film, Six Stories, to raise awareness of the plight of Mexican immigrants in the United States. 

Del Toro is a passionate advocate of the use of practical effects in films and frequently uses his own money to fund special effects for his films. He is also a strong advocate of the use of 3D technology in film and believes that it is a powerful and useful tool for storytelling.