History of the Ariel Awards: Mexican Cinema at Its Finest

The Ariel Awards are undoubtedly the most important awards in Mexican cinema, and they are often considered the Oscars of Mexico. Annually, they acknowledge the most accomplished figures in the national film industry and pay tribute to directors, actors, screenwriters, and technicians who have made a lasting impression on the big screen.

The chronicle of the Ariel Awards is, concurrently, the chronicle of Mexican cinema. From its inception in the Golden Age, through its moments of magnificence and contention, to its inaugural edition in a beachside locale like Puerto Vallarta, this award continues to serve as a symbol of national pride.

But how did they come about? What does the renowned statuette represent? And what does it signify that, for the first time in its existence, the Ariel Awards are being hosted in Puerto Vallarta?

The Origins of the Ariel Awards

The Mexican Academy of Film Arts and Sciences (AMACC) created the Ariel Awards in 1946, driven by the desire to formally acknowledge national film production.

During that period, Mexico was experiencing what is often referred to as the "Golden Age of Mexican cinema," a time when renowned figures such as Dolores del Río, Pedro Infante, and María Félix had already achieved international acclaim.

The name comes from the book El Ariel, which was written by José Enrique Rodó. It is a philosophical discourse that lauds the virtues of spirit and culture over materialism. With this reference, the statuette came to be regarded as a symbol of art and cinematic excellence.

Mexican Cinema's Icon: The Ariel

The creation of the Ariel sculpture was by the renowned artist Ignacio Asúnsolo (1890–1965), originally from Durango. The figure's outline resembles a man soaring through the sky, symbolizing qualities such as freedom, strength, and creativity.

Alongside the statuette, a replica was crafted, standing at an imposing three meters in height. This monumental sculpture is cast in bronze and is mounted on a concrete pedestal, bearing the following inscription: “Tribute to National Cinema,” 1951. This sculpture caused a profound stir in Mexican society at the time by displaying a denuded male body in a public space.

An obscure detail is that the original mold for the statuette was inadvertently destroyed in a fire in the 1950s, resulting in slight variations in the finish of subsequent versions.

Ignacio Asúnsolo's original sculpture was displayed on Paseo de la Reforma in Mexico City until 1958. Subsequently, it was relocated to Estudios Churubusco movie studios, where it has been preserved ever since in the Plaza del Cine Mexicano square.

The Most Awarded

Throughout its history, the Ariel Awards have crowned films that define the direction of national cinema, and these films have had a significant impact on the industry. In 1976, Canoa by Felipe Cazals won the top prize, setting a new standard for Mexican political cinema.

In 2001, Love’s a Bitch (Amores Perros) by Alejandro González Iñárritu garnered multiple Ariel Awards, marking the advent of a novel epoch for contemporary cinema. Among the most honored filmmakers are Arturo Ripstein, who has received over ten Ariels, and Carlos Carrera, whose film The Crime of Padre Amaro provoked controversy and garnered international acclaim.

In the sphere of acting, names such as María Rojo, Damián Alcázar, and Blanca Guerra are regarded as the epitome of cinematic virtuosity, a distinction that has been formally acknowledged by the Mexican Academy of Film Arts and Sciences.

The Importance of the Ariel Awards

The Ariel Awards play a crucial role in keeping the conversation about the relevance of Mexican cinema alive, especially during a time when the film industry is facing challenges from streaming and reduced government support.

Beyond the statuette, this award serves as a symbol of the creativity, cultural identity, and critical voice of national filmmakers. The Ariel is not merely an emblem of recognition; it is a mirror that reflects Mexico's struggles, aspirations, and metamorphoses on the screen.

The Ariel Awards in Puerto Vallarta

Guadalajara, Jalisco, hosted the first Ariel Awards in 2024, a significant milestone in the awards' history. The change of venue from Mexico City to a more decentralized location is a strategic move aimed at broadening the cultural reach and increasing the visibility of the event among new audiences.

Puerto Vallarta's vibrant cultural scene and its growing international tourist presence make it the ideal location in 2025 to create a unique blend of cinema, sea, nature, and the region's renowned hospitality.

For the Friendliest City in the World, holding the 67th edition of the Ariel Awards is a film event and an unparalleled chance to boost its standing on Mexico's cultural map and the world stage.

For cinephiles, keeping tabs on the Ariel Awards means exploring the essence of our cultural identity, as each winning film is a window into Mexico through the lens of cinema.