Guillermo del Toro addresses brother’s death while accepting Visionary Award

Guillermo del Toro revealed recent family loss while accepting Visionary Award at Palm Springs Film Awards

Guillermo del Toro has spoken publicly about the death of his brother while accepting an award at the Palm Springs Film Awards on Saturday, January 3.

Del Toro was honoured with the Visionary Award for his work on Frankenstein, attending the ceremony just days after his family’s bereavement.

He did not share details about his brother’s identity or cause of death but explained that themes within the film influenced his decision to attend the event.

“I’m here because the film speaks about a condition that is purely human; that is proved by the final phase in the film, which says the heart may break and the broken live on,” del Toro told the audience. “Even a broken heart pumps the blood and keeps you going.”

He also reflected on his relationship with his brother, saying, “My brother and I played Victor and the creature on many moments in our lives, [and] many years ago, we granted each other love and granted each other peace. So I’m here for family.”

Following reports of the speech, fans shared messages of support across social media. Several commented with condolences and messages of encouragement, with some expressing sympathy for the director’s loss and others offering prayers and well-wishes for the year ahead.

Before concluding his remarks, del Toro told attendees that he “may be absent at a few functions this [awards] season,” while explaining that he chose not to miss the Palm Springs event because of the people involved in the film. He ended his speech by saying, “Life gives you a family on the way.”

Frankenstein stars Oscar Isaac, Jacob Elordi and Mia Goth joined del Toro on stage during the ceremony.

The Visionary Award was presented jointly to the director and cast, marking the first time the honour has recognised both a filmmaker and performers together for their collaboration on a single project.