Guillermo del Toro to Receive VES Award for Creative Excellence from Visual Effects Society

Guillermo del Toro is being celebrated for his creative genius…

The 57-year-old Mexican Oscar-winning film director, producer, screenwriter and author will receive the Visual Effects Society’s career honor next month.

Guillermo del Torodel Toro, a two-time Oscar winner for The Shape of Water — whose credits also include such effect-laden films as Pan’s Labyrinth, Blade II and the Pacific Rim and Hellboy films — will pick up the VES Award for Creative Excellence during the 20th anniversary VES Awards on March 8 at the Beverly Hilton.

“Guillermo is a fiercely inventive storyteller, who has pushed the boundaries of filmmaking,” VES Board Chair Lisa Cooke said. “An exemplary talent, he has consistently elevated not just the technical aspect of visual effects but also the emotional.”

Del Toro is up for the Best Picture Academy Award again this year for Nightmare Alleyhis reimagining of the gritty 1947 noir Nightmare Alley

The film starring Bradley Cooper and Cate Blanchett has four total Oscar nominations and will vie for Outstanding Supporting Visual Effects in a Photoreal Feature at the VES Awards.

Along with his writing and directing credits, del Toro also is a prolific producer of such acclaimed and successful films as The Orphanage, Julia’s Eyes, Biutiful, Kung Fu Panda 2, Puss in Boots and Mama

He studied makeup effects with legendary artist Dick Smith; spent 10 years as a special-effects makeup designer; and formed his own company, Necropia.

The VES Award for Creative Excellence recognizes individuals who’ve 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, per the group.

“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,” Cooke added.

Guillem Morales to Direct the Revenge Thriller “The Duchess of Malfi”

It’s a royal moment for Guillem Morales

The 46-year-old Catalan Spanish film and television director/writer will direct the revenge thriller The Duchess of Malfi.

Guillem Morales

From Miriam Segal’s Good Films Collective, the film will star Morfydd ClarkSam Riley and Dominic Cooper.

Luke Garrett has adapted the classic Jacobean play by John Webster. The story follows the recently widowed Duchess (Clark) who falls in love with her steward Antonio. Their union sets in motion a conflict with her cruel and vengeful brothers, the Cardinal and Ferdinand, who enlist the spy Bosola to keep her from escaping their control.

Additional cast includes Freddie Fox and Frank Dillane.

Producing are Segal, who also helped develop the script, and Paul Brennan (The Infiltrator). DoP Pawel Edelman, costume designer Carlo Poggioli and editor Joe Randall-Cutler are also aboard.

“There are no better times than these to tell the story of The Duchess Of Malfi,” says Morales. “Webster’s masterpiece is ready for new, young audiences as its themes are so relevant today.”

WestEnd Films’ Maya Amsellem added: “The Duchess Of Malfi tells a story that is incredibly relevant to contemporary audiences, focusing on issues of social inequality, class and the status of women in society. We’re consistently passionate about championing female-focused stories at WestEnd and we can’t wait to introduce the film to buyers.”

Miriam Segal added: “Since directing the play of The Duchess Of Malfi many years ago, it’s had a lasting impact on me. The themes of social inequality, class and the treatment of women could not be more relevant or immediate to the world we live in now.”

Morales previous credits include the films Julia’s Eyes and El Habitante Incierto, as well as the television series The Miniaturist.

Exclusive Media Nabs International Rights to Morales’ Supernatural Thriller “Shomer”

Guillem Morales latest project could soon be seen around the world…

Exclusive Media has acquired the international rights to the 38-year-old Spanish director’s supernatural thriller Shomer.

Guillem Morales

The film centers on 25-year-old Isaac (portrayed by Aneurin Barnard), who is chosen to be a shomer for a deceased doctor. Inexplicable occurrences begin to take place as Isaac begins his overnight vigil with the body.

David Abram Nahmod penned the screenplay.

Morales previous credits include Julia’s Eyes, as well as the shorts Divadlo, Upside Down and Gracia exquisita.