Fk AI: Frankenstein Director Guillermo del Toro at Gotham Awards
The film industry has always been a realm of creativity and imagination, where artists and visionaries come together to bring their most innovative ideas to life. However, with the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI), many have begun to question the role of human creativity in the face of technological innovation. Recently, acclaimed filmmaker Guillermo del Toro sparked a heated debate when he criticized AI while receiving the Vanguard Tribute at the Gotham Film Awards 2025.
Del Toro, known for his visually stunning and thought-provoking films, was honored alongside the lead actors of his latest film, Frankenstein, Jacob Elordi and Oscar Isaac. As he took the stage to accept the award, del Toro took a moment to express his gratitude to the human beings who worked tirelessly to bring his vision to life. “Every single frame of this film…was wilfully made by humans, for humans,” he said, emphasizing the importance of human creativity and effort in the filmmaking process.
However, del Toro’s speech took a surprising turn when he directly addressed the topic of AI. With a hint of frustration and passion, he declared, “I would like to extend our gratitude and say: F**k AI.” The audience was taken aback by the director’s bold statement, which sparked a mixture of applause and gasps.
Del Toro’s criticism of AI is not entirely unexpected, given the current landscape of the film industry. With the increasing use of AI-powered tools and software, many filmmakers and artists are concerned about the potential threat to human creativity and job security. The use of AI in film production has already begun to raise questions about authorship, ownership, and the role of human creators in the filmmaking process.
While AI has the potential to revolutionize various aspects of film production, such as editing, visual effects, and even scriptwriting, del Toro’s statement highlights the importance of preserving human creativity and intuition in the artistic process. As he emphasized, every frame of his film was “wilfully made by humans, for humans,” suggesting that the emotional resonance and depth of a film can only be achieved through the deliberate and thoughtful efforts of human beings.
The Gotham Film Awards, which recognize excellence in independent filmmaking, provided a fitting platform for del Toro to express his views on the importance of human creativity. As the film industry continues to evolve and adapt to new technologies, del Toro’s statement serves as a reminder of the value and significance of human imagination and craftsmanship.
Frankenstein, del Toro’s latest film, is a testament to the power of human creativity and collaboration. The film, which stars Jacob Elordi and Oscar Isaac, is a reimagining of the classic Mary Shelley novel and features a unique blend of horror, drama, and romance. The film’s success can be attributed to the tireless efforts of the cast and crew, who worked together to bring del Toro’s vision to life.
In conclusion, Guillermo del Toro’s criticism of AI at the Gotham Film Awards 2025 has sparked a necessary conversation about the role of human creativity in the film industry. As the use of AI continues to grow and evolve, it is essential to recognize the value and importance of human imagination and craftsmanship. Del Toro’s statement, although bold and provocative, serves as a reminder of the significance of human effort and creativity in the artistic process.
As the film industry continues to navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by AI, it is crucial to strike a balance between technological innovation and human creativity. By preserving the role of human imagination and intuition in the filmmaking process, we can ensure that films continue to inspire, provoke, and captivate audiences around the world.
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