Guillermo del Toro to be honored by Visual Effects Society

Guillermo del Toro, the Oscar-winning Mexican director, screenwriter and producer whose films are known for their often striking imagery, will be honored by the Visual Effects Society with the VES Award for Creative Excellence, the organization announced Thursday.

The award is bestowed by the VES board of directors, and recognizes “individuals who have made significant and lasting contributions to the art and science of the visual effects industry by uniquely and consistently creating compelling and creative imagery in service to story.

It will be presented at the 20th annual VES Awards on March 8 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.

“Harnessing his intuitive vision, del Toro has created a distinctive cinematic style mixing the world of monster movies, comic books and exuberant visuals straight from his imagination,” according to the VES.

“Guillermo is a fiercely inventive storyteller who has pushed the boundaries of filmmaking,” added VES Board Chair Lisa Cooke. “An exemplary talent, he has consistently elevated not just the technical aspect of visual effects, but also the emotional. Guillermo is an amazing creative force and a defining voice in our global community, and his body of work is a rich source of inspiration for future generations of artists and innovators.

“For Guillermo’s outstanding mastery of his craft, we are proud to honor him with the prestigious VES Award for Creative Excellence.”

The 57-year-old Del Toro has worked in both English- and Spanish- language films. Most recently he directed and co-wrote the psychological thriller “Nightmare Alley,” which is nominated for four Academy Awards this year, including best picture and best cinematography.

His 2017 film “The Shape of Water” won Oscars for best director and best picture. He is also known for Spanish-language films such as “Pan’s Labyrinth” and “The Devil’s Backbone” and English-language films such as “Blade II,” “Hellboy,” “Hellboy II: The Golden Army,” “Pacific Rim” and “Crimson Peak.”