Renowned filmmaker Guillermo del Toro accepts key to the city in Toronto

Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow handed Oscar-winning director Guillermo del Toro the key to the city.

The Mexican-born director, who has often praised Toronto, was recognized for his long-standing relationship with the city and its film community.

“I have loved Toronto for so many years and I am very happy that it loves me back,” del Toro said during the ceremony on Thursday.

The ceremony was held jointly with Cinespace Studios and also unveiled the renaming of the Marine Terminal campus sound stages as the “Guillermo del Toro Stages.” The campus is in the Port Lands.

“Toronto has been a second home to me and my creative endeavours,” del Toro said.  “To have my name associated with these glorious stages where my beloved crew and colleagues share both work and memories is an immense honour.”

A three-time Academy Award-winning director, del Toro has filmed several of his celebrated projects at Cinespace Studios in Toronto, including The Shape of Water, Nightmare Alley, Cabinet of Curiosities and his new film Frankenstein.

Over the past two decades, del Toro has helped cement Toronto’s reputation as a world-class centre for film production.

“Guillermo del Toro is a once-in-a-generation storyteller, director and filmmaker,” said Chow. “From The Shape of Water to Nightmare Alley to the highly anticipated Frankenstein, he has consistently chosen to produce his award-winning movies in Toronto, supporting our city’s $2.6 billion film industry, which employs more than 40,000 people. Today, we celebrate his contributions to Toronto and his films which have touched viewers from around the world.”

His work has featured iconic Toronto landmarks, supported Canadian talent and created hundreds of jobs for local crew and craftspeople.

Toronto’s screen industry is a cornerstone of the city’s creative economy. With a workforce of over 40,000, more than 5,000 film and television businesses operating in Ontario, and world-class sound stages and visual effects facilities, the sector generated $2.6 billion in direct spend in 2023.

The mayor awards the key to the city to inspiring individuals from diverse backgrounds who embody the spirit and potential of Toronto, and who have contributed significantly to civic life.

The key to the city is Toronto’s highest honour granted by the mayor to an individual or a group. More information, including a list of past recipients, is available on the city’s Key to the City website.