Guillermo del Toro Warns That Dismissing Art Is “Always a Prelude to Fascism” at Palm Springs Event

While accepting a directing honor at Variety’s 10 Directors to Watch and Creative Impact Awards brunch during the Palm Springs International Film Festival, Guillermo del Toro delivered a passionate message to emerging filmmakers: never believe anyone who tells you art doesn’t matter.

“Be kind, be involved, believe in your art,” del Toro said in his speech. “At a time when people tell you art is not important, that is always a prelude to fascism.” He went on to argue that dismissing creativity is often a way to strip humanity of empathy and imagination. “They think they can debase everything that makes us a little better, a little more human,” he said, adding that monsters — a recurring theme in his work — are an essential part of that humanity.

Del Toro received the Directing Award for his latest film, Frankenstein, a reimagining of the classic story that continues his long fascination with misunderstood creatures. During his remarks, he reflected on the first time he saw Frankenstein, directed by James Whale, calling it a “religious experience” that shaped his creative life.

Adding a personal touch to the moment, del Toro revealed that his guest at the event was Sara Karloff, the daughter of the original Frankenstein star Boris Karloff. “Sometimes the world gets so complicated, you can only explain it with the power of monsters,” del Toro said. “We are in a time like that right now.”

The filmmaker also spoke candidly about ambition and failure, reminding young directors that setbacks are inseparable from success. “Ambition includes failure — it’s right next door to success,” he said, drawing laughs with a vivid metaphor about opening doors that might lead either to dreams fulfilled or unexpected reality.

Del Toro was not the only major name honored at the brunch. Dwayne Johnson received the Creative Impact in Acting Award for his performance in The Smashing Machine, while Teyana Taylor was recognized with the Creative Impact in Breakthrough Performance Award for One Battle After Another.

Del Toro’s Frankenstein was released on Netflix on Oct. 17, 2025, and stars Jacob Elordi, Oscar Isaac, and Mia Goth. As his speech made clear, for del Toro, the film is more than a new release — it’s part of an ongoing belief that art, imagination, and even monsters are essential tools for understanding the world.