Guillermo del Toro (born 1964) is an acclaimed Mexican director, screenwriter, and producer, known for his distinctive cinematic style that blends horror, fantasy, and dark fairy tales. His work is often characterized by fantastical creatures, sumptuous visual aesthetics, and a deep empathy for "monsters" and outcasts, often set against historical backdrops such as war.

Among his most significant films are *The Devil's Backbone* (2001) and *Pan's Labyrinth* (2006), masterpieces that explore childhood and the supernatural during the Spanish Civil War. He achieved his highest recognition with *The Shape of Water* (2017), winner of the Academy Awards for Best Picture and Best Director, a romantic fairy tale between a woman and an amphibious creature. His *Pinocchio* (2022), a stop-motion film, received the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. Del Toro is a master at creating visually rich worlds and unforgettable characters.