TORONTO The city of Toronto has officially honored Oscar-winning director Guillermo del Toro by granting him the key to the city, a gesture that acknowledges his significant contributions to filmmaking in the area. The presentation ceremony took place on Thursday morning, July 24, 2025, at the Cinespace Studios located on the waterfront.
Toronto's Mayor, Olivia Chow, was present to bestow this ceremonial honor upon the acclaimed Mexican-born filmmaker. During her speech, Mayor Chow highlighted del Toro's impressive history of producing films in Toronto, noting that his work not only enriches the local culture but also creates jobs and supports the thriving local screen industry.
In his acceptance speech, Guillermo del Toro expressed his deep affection for Toronto, declaring it “the best place to make movies.” He acknowledged that he has dedicated approximately half of his 30-year filmmaking career to projects in Toronto. Some notable films he has worked on in the city include the 2009 sci-fi action blockbuster “Pacific Rim” and the Oscar-winning 2017 fantasy film “The Shape of Water,” which earned him prestigious awards for both best director and best picture.
The event at Cinespace Studios included additional tributes to del Toro; the studio announced it would be renaming four of its sound stages in his honor. This recognition further solidifies del Toro's reputation as a pivotal figure in the Toronto film scene.
Looking ahead, del Toro has an exciting project on the horizon: a Netflix adaptation of “Frankenstein,” which features actor Jacob Elordi in the lead role. He mentioned that this film is slated for completion at Company 3, a Toronto-based video production studio, and it is set to premiere at the prestigious Toronto International Film Festival in September.
Del Toro concluded his remarks by expressing his gratitude to Toronto, stating, “I have loved Toronto for so many years, and I am very happy that it loves me back.” He praised the city not only for its suitability as a filming location but also for its commitment to celebrating the art of cinema.
This event underscores the strong relationship between Guillermo del Toro and the city of Toronto, marking a significant moment in the ongoing collaboration between filmmakers and local institutions that have made the city a hub for artistic expression and creativity in the film industry.
