Guillermo del Toro to Receive Dilys Powell Honor at London Critics’ Circle Film Awards

The London Critics’ Circle Film Awards will honor Guillermo del Toro with the Dilys Powell Award for Excellence in Film at its 46th annual ceremony.

The “Frankenstein” filmmaker becomes the latest recipient of the honor, which commemorates the renowned British film critic Dilys Powell. Past winners include Michelle Yeoh, Ken Loach, Sandy Powell, Kenneth Branagh, Sally Potter, Pedro Almodovar, Kate Winslet and, most recently, Daniel Craig.

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“Thank you to the London Film Critics’ Circle. It’s an honor to receive the Dilys Powell Award from a group I greatly admire and to join such an esteemed group of recipients,” del Toro said. “Working in this industry continues to be the joy of a lifetime.”

The Mexican filmmaker launched his feature career with 1993’s “Cronos” and has built a reputation for crafting visually striking fantasy worlds anchored by emotional storytelling. His trophy haul includes three Academy Awards, three BAFTA Awards and two Golden Globes. “The Shape of Water” earned him the Venice Film Festival Golden Lion, an Academy Award and a BAFTA for best director.

Del Toro’s filmography spans directing and producing credits on titles such as “The Devil’s Backbone,” “Pan’s Labyrinth,” “Mimic,” “Hellboy,” “Pacific Rim,” “Crimson Peak” and “Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio.” Netflix released his latest directorial effort, a reflective, critically-acclaimed interpretation of Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein,” in 2025. The British Film Institute will present del Toro with a BFI Fellowship in May, its top honor recognizing his contribution to film.

“We’re delighted to honor such a visionary director for his exemplary world-building and invention, which has provided escape, wonderment and comfort to our membership during his career,” said Jane Crowther, chair of the London Film Critics’ Circle.

Established in 1913 as part of the broader Critics’ Circle organization, the London Film Critics’ Circle ranks among the U.K.’s most respected critical institutions. Its 207 film section members work across print, digital, broadcast and social media platforms. Contenders must receive U.K. theatrical or premiere streaming releases between mid-February 2024 and mid-February 2025. The group has staged its annual awards since 1980.

Critic Mark Kermode will host the ceremony on Feb. 1 at The May Fair in London, where winners across all competition categories will be announced. This year’s nominations are led by “One Battle After Another.”