For family reasons, famous director Alfonso Cuarón was not able to attend the 61st Ariel Awards in Mexico City . Nonetheless, his masterpiece ‘Roma’ won 10 awards out of all 15 categories for which it was nominated, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Photography .
The Oscar winner sent a video to express his gratitude, regretting to have missed this year’s Ariel Awards which, for the first time ever, took place at Mexico’s National Film Library due to a series of budget cuts undertaken by Mexico’s new federal government.
“The theatrical release of ‘Roma’ in Mexico was unparalleled. It was my priority to ensure that a large number of independent movie theaters could screen the picture to reach a larger audience,” Cuarón stated.
“This is why I am very sad that I was not able to be with you tonight. I feel deeply honored and would like to congratulate all the other movies and friends who received nominations. I am deeply grateful for being part of a community that is known for its fraternity, solidarity, and generosity,” he added.
‘Roma’ won awards for Best Supporting Actress (Mariana de Tavira), Special Effects, Visual Effects, Sound, Art Direction, Editing, Cinematography, Original Screenplay, Director, and Picture .
Noé Hernández
, who was also unable to attend, won the Ariel Award for Best Actor for his role in “Ocho de cada diez” (Eight of Every Ten) while Ilse Salas won the award for Best Actress for her role in “Las niñas bien” (The Good Girls).
On behalf of the Mexican film academy, some Mexican celebrities took the opportunity to declare their position regarding the federal government’s budget cuts to cultural activities and institutions.
“Culture is not just for show, it is a long term investment. Us filmmakers are not the enemy and we are fully engaged with the reality of our country,” stated Ernesto Contreras, chairman of the academy .
For her part, actress and director Ángeles Cruz thanked the academy for her award for Best Short Film (Arcángel) , giving a speech in Mixtec. Carlos Morales took the award for Best Documentary Short Film (Sinfonía de un mar triste) , reminding that his project had been made possible by the Fonca scholarship, which is part of a program that Mexico’s new administration wants to scrap.
Mexican celebrities protesting with red ribbons at the 61st Ariel Awards - Photo: Mario Guzmán/EFE
Furthermore, several female directors, actresses, producers, and screenwriters for both film and TV launched a Spanish version of the #TimesUp initiative ( #YaEsHora ), through which they demanded equal pay, gender equality in the industry’s decision-making, and stricter protocols to address sexual harassment and gender violence in work spaces.
“You, gentlemen, have told your stories many times before. Now it is time for us to show our story. Time’s up!,” stated Ilse Salas during her acceptance speech.
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