Guillermo del Toro Criticizes AI and Praises Human Artistry in 'Frankenstein' Gotham Award Acceptance Speech

During the Gotham Awards on Monday evening, Guillermo del Toro received the Vanguard Tribute for his work on Frankenstein and made a bold statement regarding artificial intelligence in filmmaking: "Fuck AI." Standing alongside actors Jacob Elordi and Oscar Isaac, del Toro began his speech by honoring Mary Shelleys classic tale of horror.

Reflecting on his first encounter with the book at age 11, del Toro shared that he always knew he would one day bring the story to the screen. He explained, I realized back then, from Shelley's work and seeing Boris Karloff for the first time, that I didnt quite fit into the world the way my parents or society expected. My true home was a distant place populated by monsters and misfits, who have since become my family.

He added, Returning to this story at 61, alongside remarkable talents like Oscar and Jacob, has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. With them, I discovered yet another family.

After brief comments from Elordi and Isaac, del Toro resumed the stage to pay tribute to the craftspeople who brought Frankenstein to life and to voice his opposition to AI in Hollywood. I want to recognize the incredible artistry of our cast and crew, whose work is evident in every frame of this film, made deliberately by humans, for humans, he said. The designers, builders, makeup artists, wardrobe team, cinematographers, composers, editorsthis tribute is for all of them. And I want to say again: Fuck AI.

Frankenstein premiered at the Venice Film Festival in August, receiving a standing ovation lasting 13 minutes. The film became available on Netflix on October 17 and is expected to contend in nine Oscar categories, including Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor for Elordi, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Production Design.

Author: Sophia Brooks