Guillermo del Toro will be honored with the prestigious Dilys Powell Award for Excellence in Film at the 46th London Critics’ Circle Film Awards.
The group confirmed on Friday that the Frankenstein director-writer will join a long list of recipients of the annual award — named in honor of British film critic Dilys Powell — when he is welcomed on stage at the Feb. 1 ceremony. Del Toro is described as having left “an indelible mark on global cinema, and the London Critics’ Circle are thrilled to celebrate his substantial achievements.”
Said del Toro: “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. Working in this industry continues to be the joy of a lifetime.”
Since releasing his debut feature film, Cronos, in 1993, del Toro has captivated audiences worldwide with “imaginative, memorable worlds and emotionally-driven fantastical stories,” said the film body. The Mexican has won countless awards, including three Oscars, three BAFTAs and two Golden Globes, as well as the Venice Film Festival’s Golden Lion. His acclaimed films include The Devil’s Backbone, Pan’s Labyrinth, Mimic, Hellboy, Pacific Rim, Crimson Peak and Pinocchio.
His most recent film, a critically-acclaimed interpretation of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, was released in 2025 via Netflix and stars Oscar Isaac, Jacob Elordi and Mia Goth. In May, the BFI will award del Toro with their highest accolade, a BFI Fellowship, which recognizes his extraordinary contribution to the craft.
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 include Michelle Yeoh, Ken Loach, Kenneth Branagh, Pedro Almodovar, and Kate Winslet. Last year, James Bond star Daniel Craig took home the prize.
The winners in all categories for the 46th annual London Critics’ Circle Film Awards will be announced at The May Fair in London on Feb. 1, 2026, during a ceremony hosted by critic Mark Kermode. One Battle After Another leads the nominations.