Fk AI: Frankenstein Director Guillermo del Toro at Gotham Awards
The Gotham Film Awards 2025 was a night to remember, with some of the biggest names in the film industry in attendance. However, it was Guillermo del Toro, the acclaimed director of the upcoming film Frankenstein, who stole the show with his bold and unapologetic criticism of artificial intelligence (AI). Del Toro was at the event to receive the Vanguard Tribute, a prestigious award that recognizes his outstanding contributions to the world of cinema. He was joined on stage by the lead actors of his film, Jacob Elordi and Oscar Isaac, who were also being honored for their outstanding performances.
As del Toro took the stage to accept his award, he began by expressing his gratitude to the organizers of the Gotham Film Awards and to his team, who had worked tirelessly to bring his vision to life. However, it wasn’t long before he shifted his focus to the topic of AI, a subject that has been at the forefront of discussions in the film industry in recent times. With a hint of passion and conviction in his voice, del Toro declared, “Every single frame of this film, every single decision, was wilfully made by humans, for humans.” This statement was met with applause from the audience, who were clearly in agreement with the director’s sentiments.
But del Toro wasn’t done yet. In a move that was both shocking and thought-provoking, he dropped an F-bomb, saying, “I would like to extend our gratitude and say: F**k AI.” The audience erupted into cheers and applause, with some people even whistling in agreement. It was clear that del Toro’s words had struck a chord, and that many in the room shared his concerns about the increasing reliance on AI in the film industry.
Del Toro’s comments about AI are not entirely surprising, given his reputation as a director who values the human touch in filmmaking. His films, such as Pan’s Labyrinth and Hellboy, are known for their intricate details and nuanced performances, which are often the result of careful planning and collaboration between human artists. In an era where AI is being increasingly used to automate various aspects of filmmaking, from special effects to editing, del Toro’s stance is a refreshing reminder of the importance of human creativity and intuition in the creative process.
The use of AI in filmmaking has been a topic of debate in recent times, with some arguing that it can help to streamline the production process and reduce costs. However, others, like del Toro, are concerned that the over-reliance on AI could lead to a homogenization of styles and a loss of the unique, human perspective that makes cinema so powerful. As del Toro so eloquently put it, every frame of his film was “wilfully made by humans, for humans,” a statement that highlights the importance of human agency and intention in the creative process.
Del Toro’s comments also raise important questions about the role of AI in the film industry and the potential consequences of relying too heavily on technology. As AI becomes more advanced and sophisticated, there is a risk that it could replace human artists and technicians, leading to a loss of jobs and a decline in the quality of films. Furthermore, the use of AI could also lead to a lack of diversity and originality in filmmaking, as machines are programmed to follow established patterns and formulas rather than taking risks and pushing boundaries.
In contrast, human filmmakers like del Toro are able to bring a unique perspective and vision to their work, which is often shaped by their experiences, emotions, and biases. This human touch is what makes cinema so powerful and relatable, and it is what sets great films apart from mediocre ones. By emphasizing the importance of human creativity and intention, del Toro is reminding us of the value of traditional filmmaking techniques and the need to preserve the art of storytelling in the face of technological advancements.
The reaction to del Toro’s comments has been mixed, with some people praising his honesty and courage, while others have criticized him for being overly negative and dismissive of the potential benefits of AI. However, regardless of where one stands on the issue, it is clear that del Toro’s words have sparked an important conversation about the role of AI in the film industry and the need to preserve human creativity and intuition in the face of technological advancements.
In conclusion, Guillermo del Toro’s comments about AI at the Gotham Film Awards 2025 were a powerful reminder of the importance of human creativity and intention in the film industry. As the use of AI becomes more widespread, it is essential to consider the potential consequences of relying too heavily on technology and to preserve the art of storytelling in all its forms. By emphasizing the value of human filmmaking and the need to protect it, del Toro is ensuring that the next generation of filmmakers will continue to push boundaries and create innovative, thought-provoking films that inspire and challenge audiences.
News Source: https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/frankenstein-director-bashes-ai-at-gotham-awards/story