Guillermo del Toro will be honoured with the Dilys Powell Award for Excellence in Film at the 46th London Critics’ Circle Film Awards on Sunday 1 February.
The director and writer of Frankenstein will join a long list of recipients of the annual award, named in memory of legendary British film critic Dilys Powell.
“The filmmaker, writer and producer has left an indelible mark on global cinema and the London Critics’ Circle are thrilled to celebrate his substantial achievements,” LCC said.
“Since releasing his debut feature film, Cronos, in 1993, del Toro has captivated audiences worldwide with imaginative, memorable worlds and emotionally-driven fantastical stories.
“He has won countless awards, including three Academy Awards, three BAFTA Awards and two Golden Globes, notably winning the Venice Film Festival Golden Lion, an Academy Award and a BAFTA Award for Best Director for The Shape of Water.
“Over the course of his career, del Toro has directed and produced numerous acclaimed films, including The Devil’s Backbone, Pan’s Labyrinth, Mimic, Hellboy, Pacific Rim, Crimson Peak and Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio.”
Del Toro’s most recent film, Frankenstein, was lensed by Dan Laustsen ASC DFF, who was recently nominated for a BSC Award.
In May, the BFI will also award del Toro with its highest accolade, a BFI Fellowship, which recognises his extraordinary contribution to film.
Del Toro said: “Thank you to the London Film Critics’ Circle. It’s an honour to receive the Dilys Powell Award from a group I greatly admire and to join such an esteemed group of recipients. Working in this industry continues to be the joy of a lifetime.”
Jane Crowther, chair of the London Film Critics’ Circle, said: “We’re delighted to honour such a visionary director for his exemplary world-building and invention, which has provided escape, wonderment and comfort to our membership during his career.”
Previous recipients of the Dilys Powell Award for Excellence in Film include Michelle Yeoh, Ken Loach, Sandy Powell, Kenneth Branagh, Sally Potter, Pedro Almodovar and Kate Winslet.
Last year, the London Critics’ Circle awarded the honour to James Bond star Daniel Craig.
The winners in all categories for 46th annual London Critics’ Circle Film Awards will be announced at The May Fair in London on 1 February during a ceremony hosted by acclaimed critic Mark Kermode.
