By Cassidy McMackon
The Canadian Press
Posted July 24, 2025 12:55 pm
1 min read
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Toronto has handed Oscar-winning director Guillermo del Toro the key to the city in recognition of his affinity for making films here.
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow presented the Mexican-born filmmaker with the ceremonial honour Thursday morning, saying his history of producing films in Toronto has created jobs and supports a local screen industry.
In accepting the key, del Toro said he loves Toronto and considers it “the best place to make movies.”
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The presentation took place at the waterfront Cinespace Studios, which says it’s renaming four sound stages to pay tribute to the “Shape of Water” writer-director.
Del Toro says he’s spent about half of his 30-year career making movies in Toronto, including 2009’s effects-laden action film “Pacific Rim” and 2017’s fantasy “The Shape of the Water,” which netted Oscars for best director and best picture.
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Next up is his Netflix film “Frankenstein,” featuring Jacob Elordi as the titular monster, which Del Toro says will be finished at the Toronto video production studio Company 3.
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“Frankenstein” is bound for the Toronto International Film Festival in September.
“I have loved Toronto for so many years and I am very happy that it loves me back,” del Toro said during the ceremony.
“It does not only exist as a great city for making film, but for celebrating film,” he said.
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