Oscar-winning actor Guillermo del Toro had sound stages named after him at Cinespace Studio.
Oscar winning actor and director Guillermo del Toro had four soundstages of Kipling Avenue based Cinespace Studios at its Marine Terminal Campus named ‘The Guillermo del Toro stages.’
The world-famous actor was presented the ceremonial keys to the City of Toronto after he shot a number of movies at the Terminal, including Nightmare Alley and Cabinet of Curiosities.
“The renaming of these stages is a testament to Guillermo’s impact and deep ties to the Toronto film industry and his commitment to storytelling,” Eoin Egan, co-CEO of Cinespace Studios, said in a statement.
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow presented the Mexican-born filmmaker with the ceremonial honour on July 24, saying his history of producing films in Toronto has created jobs and supports a local screen industry.
Mayor Olivia Chow with keys to the City with the famous actor who loves Toronto. Courtesy Studio photos.
del Toro, who lives part time in Toronto, has been shooting his movies in Toronto since Mimic in 1997, and he shot Pacific Rim, Crimson Peak and The Shape of Water, which recreated Baltimore in 1962.
He said Toronto is the only Canadian city that has also offered a home to his young family.
“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.”
Del Toro said 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.