Oscar 2026: Del Toro, Cruz Contreras & Hernández Represent Mexico | Nominations
Mexico’s cinematic talent is once again in the spotlight as the nominations for the 98th Academy Awards, to be held on March 15, 2026, were announced on January 22, 2026. Guillermo del Toro, Cruz Contreras, and Ivel Hernández have each received nominations, representing Mexico across key areas of filmmaking: directing, animation, and visual effects.
A Strong Showing for Mexican Filmmakers
Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein is a major contender, securing nine nominations including Best Picture and Best Adapted Screenplay. While del Toro himself was not nominated for Best Director, the film’s widespread recognition positions it as a frontrunner. It will compete for Best Picture against Bugonia, Hamnet, F1, Marty Supremo, Una batalla tras otra, El agente secreto, Valor sentimental, Pecadores, and Sueños de tren.
Del Toro’s Illustrious Career
Born in Guadalajara on October 9, 1964, Guillermo del Toro began his career with short films like Doña Lupe and Geometría. His first feature film, Cronos (1993), won nine Ariel Awards, establishing him as a prominent figure in Mexican cinema. He is known for blending fantasy with historical narratives, as seen in films like El espinazo del diablo and the three-time Oscar winner, El laberinto del fauno. His film La forma del agua garnered over 90 international awards, including two Oscars.
Mexican Talent Behind the Scenes
Animation also has a Mexican representative in the form of Cruz Contreras, who worked on KPop Demon Hunters, nominated for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song with the track “Golden.” Contreras spent two years as part of the character effects team. He shared his excitement on social media, stating, “Ya me cayó el 20… Equipo de Imageworks, equipo de CFX, se logró.”
Contreras, who has lived in Canada for a decade, previously contributed to Across the Spider-Verse. His interest in Korean culture reportedly influenced his involvement in KPop Demon Hunters, where he focused on character and costume development.
Ivel Hernández is recognized for her work on visual effects, earning a nomination for her contributions to Avatar: Fire and Ash. Hernández, a graduate of the Tecnológico de Monterrey, campus Ciudad de México, spent nearly two years developing fire, particles, and visual effects for the third installment in James Cameron’s Avatar saga. She expressed her gratitude on social media, saying, “Estamos nominados a los mejores efectos visuales en los Oscar. Felicidades a todos mis colegas.”
Hernández was part of a visual effects team of over three thousand people and described the film’s visuals as “the best I’ve ever seen; the details are from another world.”
What’s Next?
The 98th Academy Awards ceremony will be held on Sunday, March 15th, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, California. A broadcast channel and time for viewing in Mexico have not yet been confirmed. It is possible that these Mexican nominees will continue to gain recognition and inspire future generations of filmmakers. It is also likely that the success of these artists will further elevate the profile of Mexican cinema on the international stage. A potential outcome could be increased investment in the Mexican film industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the Mexican nominees for the 98th Academy Awards?
Guillermo del Toro, Cruz Contreras, and Ivel Hernández are the Mexican nominees for the 98th Academy Awards.
What film directed by Guillermo del Toro received the most nominations?
Frankenstein, directed by Guillermo del Toro, received nine nominations.
What was Ivel Hernández’s role in the nominated film Avatar: Fire and Ash?
Ivel Hernández worked on the development of fire, particles, and visual effects for Avatar: Fire and Ash.
What does this wave of nominations signify for the future of Mexican representation in international cinema?