The BFI America has celebrated Guillermo Del Toro’s BFI Fellowship at a fundraising event in LA. The event garnered support for the BFI National Archive and the BFI Film On Film Festival.
BFI America has celebrated the British Film Institute’s (BFI) latest BFI Fellow, Guillermo del Toro, at an intimate fundraising event in LA. Leading industry figures also attended. The event celebrated the BFI National Archive, one of the world’s most important collections of film and television. In addition to Guillermo’s promise to give a third of his vast personal archive to the BFI, there were also generous contributions from both individuals and companies. These contributions will support the BFI’s bi-annual ‘Film on Film Festival’ at BFI Southbank. In addition, it supports BFI IMAX London in June 2027. Furthermore, contributions will support the festival in years beyond. Notably, it is one of the only festivals in the world where every film is projected from a print. Furthermore, it is the only cinema in the UK able to project nitrate film.
Guillermo del Toro is honored at the BFI America Dinner in LA in Honor of BFI Fellow Guillermo del Toro at Mother Wolf on Monday, June 15, 2026, in Los Angeles, CA.
BFI America also welcomed Scott Stuber as its newest Board member and honorary co-host of the event. He co-hosted alongside Ben Roberts, CEO of BFI. Alongside BFI Fellow Guillermo del Toro, guests included Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos. He honored Guillermo in his own words. Other guests were Netflix Chief Content Officer Bela Bajaria and Dan Lin, Chairman of Netflix Film. Additionally, Pam Abdy, CEO of Warner Bros. Entertainment; studio executive Sherry Lansing; filmmaker Michael Mann; actor and filmmaker Jon Favreau; and actors Bill Hader and Doug Jones were also present.
The BFI’s Film on Film Festival 2025 opened with the original, rare Technicolor British release print of STAR WARS (George Lucas, 1977). This print hadn’t been seen since its debut and was introduced on stage by Kathleen Kennedy. Kennedy is the film producer and president of Lucasfilm through 2026.
Atmosphere at the BFI America Dinner in LA in Honor of BFI Fellow Guillermo del Toro at Mother Wolf on Monday, June 15, 2026, in Los Angeles, CA.
GUILLERMO DEL TORO, SCOTT STUBER, AND BEN ROBERTS
Guillermo del Toro, BFI Fellow, said,
“The BFI is guarding not just British film, but guarding film as an art form and keeping that faith aligned. That is why this honor is so immense. I believe in the British Film Institute as a beacon of culture, in a time where we are told culture is not important”
Scott Stuber, BFI America Board member, said,
“After four years as a BFI Governor in the UK, I’m delighted to continue to support its work by joining the BFI America Board. Guillermo del Toro’s BFI Fellowship not only honors his brilliance as a filmmaker but is also a reminder of the vital role the BFI plays towards keeping film culture alive.’
Ben Roberts, BFI CEO, said:
“Guillermo is one of the most passionate and articulate champions of the BFI National Archive and why its work matters and we are enormously grateful for all his – and all our donors – support, towards the BFI Film on Film Festival. Each Film on Film screening is only possible thanks to hours of painstaking work by the BFI’s skilled film conservators, curators, and projectionists. Their knowledge and expertise allow audiences to experience the magic that is the whirr and flicker of reels of film being projected on the big screen.”
Ted Sarandos, BFI Fellowship Award Winner, Guillermo del Toro, and Ben Roberts, CEO of BFI, attend the BFI America Dinner in LA in Honor of BFI Fellow Guillermo del Toro at Mother Wolf on Monday, June 15, 2026, in Los Angeles, CA.
The BFI honored the acclaimed writer and director in London on May 6th, 2026, with a BFI Fellowship, bestowed by Cate Blanchett at the BFI’s annual Chair’s dinner, hosted by BFI Chair Jay Hunt. Long inspired by the BFI National Archive, Guillermo visited the archive’s Conservation Center last month in Berkhamsted, UK, and will be a guest curator for the BFI’s Film on Film festival next year, selecting a film print from the archive for the program.
Introducing Carl! As the News Editor at Future of the Force, Carl has been an invaluable member of our team since early 2016. His expertise and dedication have made him an integral part of our editorial staff. Beyond his professional role, Carl is a fervent supporter of Liverpool F.C. and an avid follower of pop culture. He has a deep passion for Halloween, Friday the 13th, and the iconic movie franchises Star Wars and Star Trek.
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