Guillermo del Toro Gómez, known for his evocative storytelling and commanding visual style, is an influential Mexican filmmaker, author, and makeup artist renowned for his contributions to the fantasy and horror genres. His films often intertwine fairy tales and horror, showcasing a penchant for bringing poetic beauty to the grotesque. Del Toro harbors a lifelong fascination with monsters, viewing them as symbols of significant power, and frequently incorporates insectile and religious imagery, themes of Catholicism, anti-fascism, a celebration of imperfection, and underworld motifs into his work. His technical mastery includes a preference for practical special effects and distinctive amber lighting.

Del Toro's filmography spans both Spanish and English languages, with celebrated works such as Cronos, The Devil's Backbone, and Pan's Labyrinth, alongside Mimic, Blade II, the Hellboy series, Pacific Rim, Crimson Peak, The Shape of Water, Nightmare Alley, and Pinocchio. His role extends beyond directing; as a producer or writer, he has been instrumental in the creation of The Orphanage, the Hobbit film series, Mama, The Book of Life, and others.

Del Toro's literary forays include co-authoring The Strain trilogy with Chuck Hogan, spawning a comic-book series and a live-action TV show. He also created the animated franchise Tales of Arcadia in collaboration with DreamWorks Animation and Netflix, encompassing series like Trollhunters, 3Below, and Wizards, followed by the film Trollhunters: Rise of the Titans.

Among his many accolades, del Toro has received three Academy Awards, three BAFTA Awards, and in 2018 was named one of Time magazine's 100 most influential people in the world. He also has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, awarded in 2019. Renowned within the film industry, del Toro is part of the esteemed trio known as "The Three Amigos of Cinema," alongside Alfonso Cuarón and Alejandro G. Iñárritu. His impact on culture and support for youth was recognized by the UNAM, which awarded him an honorary doctorate in 2022.