At the 2025 Gotham Independent Film Awards in New York City, Guillermo del Toro openly criticized the use of artificial intelligence in filmmaking, emphasizing the importance of human creativity. During the event at Cipriani Wall Street, del Toro’s adaptation of Frankenstein, starring Jacob Elordi and Oscar Isaac, earned the Vanguard Tribute Award, reinforcing the discussion of Guillermo del Toro on AI.
Del Toro Rejects Artificial Intelligence at Gotham Awards
Guillermo del Toro accepted a prominent honor for his new Frankenstein film, joined onstage by his lead actors Jacob Elordi and Oscar Isaac. The trio was celebrated for their contributions to the latest cinematic retelling of Mary Shelley’s classic novel, acknowledging those who brought human artistry to the project. During his speech, del Toro forcefully addressed the growing presence of generative AI in the creative industry, using the ceremony as a platform to highlight traditional artistry.
Reflecting on Mary Shelley’s Enduring Legacy
Del Toro took a moment to reflect on the roots of Frankenstein, paying tribute to Mary Shelley. He recalled that Shelley was only 18 years old when she composed the original novel in 1818 and managed to create questions so pressing that they remain pertinent two centuries later. This context set the stage for del Toro’s approach to adapting the legendary story in the present day, amidst ongoing debates over technology and artistic integrity.
Collaboration and Human Emotion in Frankenstein
Speaking about his return to the Frankenstein narrative with acclaimed artists Oscar Isaac and Jacob Elordi, del Toro shared his appreciation for finding a creative family through his cast. He underscored how his lead actors moved beyond simple character types to explore deeper human struggles. In his words,
So to return to the now at 61, with artists as extraordinary as Oscar and Jacob has been truly one of the greatest privileges of my life, and in them, I found another family. They don’t play archetypes. They dramatize the human condition and longing for a connection in a world that misunderstands them, both of them, and a world where pain only begets pain, which is, sadly, so urgent now, until someone decides to stop it.
—Guillermo del Toro, Filmmaker
Award Speech Emphasizes the Human Touch
Del Toro made an unscripted return to the microphone as the ceremony progressed, determined to express further gratitude. He credited every individual involved in Frankenstein, insisting that each frame of the film was a testament to genuine human effort. He remarked,
The artistry of all of them shines on every single frame of this film that was willfully made by humans, for humans,
—Guillermo del Toro, Filmmaker
Near the close of his remarks, he delivered a blunt statement against artificial intelligence and underscored his stance, declaring,
It belongs to all of them, and I would like to extend our gratitude and say, ‘f— AI,’
—Guillermo del Toro, Filmmaker
Significance of Human Creativity
Del Toro’s Oscars-night statements reflect a profound belief in the necessity of human involvement in the creative arts at a time when generative AI is raising debate in the industry. By publicly celebrating the film’s artists and supporting figures like Mary Shelley, Jacob Elordi, and Oscar Isaac, he drew a clear distinction between human-crafted work and automated production. The remarks signal ongoing conversations about originality and the future of filmmaking, with del Toro’s words likely to resonate as technological developments continue to unfold.
