Guillermo del Toro touted artificial intelligence in his 2025 Gotham Awards acceptance speech, saying “fk AI” directly to the audience.
The “Frankenstein” director said this while taking the stage with Jacob Elordi and Oscar Isaac to accept the Vanguard Tribute for which he was named the recipient in October.
On stage Monday night at Cipriani Wall Street in New York City, del Toro thanked the dedicated cast and crew. “I want to say to the rest of the extraordinary cast and crew that their artistry shines through in every frame of this film, intentionally made by humans for humans,” he said. “Designers, builders, make-up, wardrobe teams, cinematographers, composers, editors, this tribute belongs to them all. I want to express my gratitude and say: Damn AI.”
The audience responded positively to del Toro’s declaration, prompting laughter and applause from those in attendance. Elordi and Isaac also showed their support for del Toro by smiling and applauding as they exited the stage.
‘Fucking AI’, Guillermo del Toro says in speech #GothamAwardwon the Vanguard Award with Jacob Elordi and Oscar Isaac. pic.twitter.com/zRw1XnUgTU
— Vanity Fair (@VanityFair) December 2, 2025
As previously reported, the Gotham Film Awards announced that del Toro’s Frankenstein, starring Isaac and Elordi as the titular scientists and their titular monster, will receive the Vanguard Tribute at this year’s ceremony.
“Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein has captivated audiences for more than 200 years, and Guillermo del Toro’s epic adaptation reminds us why this story continues to be told today,” Jeffrey Sharp, executive director of Gotham Film & Media Institute, said at the time. “Guillermo, Oscar and Jacob have created a truly breathtaking work, a film that honors its literary heritage while boldly exploring the deep questions of what it means to be human. Their collaboration embodies the blend of creativity, talent and vision that Gotham wants to celebrate.”
The Gotham Awards also stated that the honor is given to “pioneering films that push the boundaries of cinema through fearless artistic choices.”
“Frankenstein,” also starring Mia Goth and Christoph Waltz, is available to stream on Netflix.
