Guillermo del Toro Remains Authentic at Marrakech Tribute: 'I'm Still a Very Strange Person!'

Guillermo del Toro, renowned filmmaker, made it clear at the Marrakech Film Festival that recognition and awards wont change who he is. Im still a very weird guy, he declared while accepting a career tribute on Friday. Very weird!

His distinctive quirks were celebrated as much as his achievements, giving extra weight to the festivals lifetime achievement honor. Del Toro reflected on the significance of staying true to ones vision: When you receive an award for doing what you do, for speaking about what you believe in, for following the images that are yours and yours alone for pursuing your themes and staying faithful to your monsters for decades the award feels even more meaningful, more profound, and more intimate, he said with a grin. Thank you, Marrakech, from the bottom of my greasy heart.

Among the attendees, filmmakers Coralie Fargeat and Claire Denis applauded from the audience, while Frankenstein stars Oscar Isaac and Jacob Elordi joined via video to congratulate him. Before presenting del Toro with his award, Pans Labyrinth star Maribel Verd delivered an emotional tribute. Guillermo came into my life at the exact moment when I most needed someone of his stature to believe in me, she said. You lifted my self-esteem, brought out the best in me, and transformed me into a better actress and a better woman.

Verd continued, Pans Labyrinth allowed me to play the dream role in the dream film. Receiving the Ariel Award in Mexico for this work was one of the most important moments of my career. Guillermo, you are talent in its purest form, imagination that never stops, endless joy, and moving humanism. You are an irreplaceable treasure for our time.

Del Toro also shared his thoughts on emotion and life during an onstage conversation. Im Mexican, so emotion is big for me, he said. I think emotion is very scarce right now. Weve come to a point in civilization where emotion seems to be something you hide If you say, I believe in love, youre a fool. If you say, I dont believe in love, youre a wise man. I dont agree with any of that.

Reflecting on lifes ultimate question, he added with characteristic humor, Why should you want to live longer? Im a big fan of death I think death is really good. Im certainly looking forward to it, because its the day you go, Well, tomorrow I wont have any problems.

Author: Jackson Miller