September 22, 2025
Mexican cinema enjoyed an unforgettable night at the 67th Ariel Awards, which Puerto Vallarta hosted for the first time. The ceremony, filled with glamour, moving speeches, and tributes to the cinematic art, solidified the Friendliest City in the World's status as a bona fide film destination.
Here's a recap of the best moments from the ceremony, where Puerto Vallarta showcased its continued prominence as a movie destination.
On Saturday, September 20, 2025, Puerto Vallarta became the epicenter of Mexican cinema, a moment that was met with great anticipation and excitement by the local community. The International Convention Center played host to a gala event that seamlessly intertwined glamour with a profound social conscience.
The red carpet of the 67th Ariel Awards in Puerto Vallarta brought together actors, directors, producers, and domestic and international press. The acceptance speeches addressed issues such as historical memory, migration, and violence. These issues remind us that cinema not only entertains. Cinema also denounces and transforms.
The tribute to the 25th anniversary of the film Amores perros (Love’s a Bitch) was one of the most emotional moments of the night. This tribute recalled the narrative force that marked a watershed moment in Mexican cinema.
The event's reach expanded significantly thanks to its broadcast on television and digital platforms, turning it into a nationwide celebration.
The 67th Ariel Awards ceremony in Puerto Vallarta was notable for celebrating the diversity of Mexican cinema. These were some of the most relevant awards:
At the 67th Ariel Awards ceremony in Puerto Vallarta, Sujo took home the most sought-after awards, including Best Picture and Best Director. However, the film that received the most statuettes was Pedro Páramo, directed by Martin Scorsese and Alejandro G. Iñárritu’s collaborator, cinephotographer Rodrigo Prieto. This film won a total of seven awards in technical categories, such as Cinematography, Costume Design, Makeup, Art Design, and Visual Effects.
La cocina also stood out with five awards, while No nos moverán won four, confirming the emerging talent of new directors and actors.
This diversity is a reflection of the current state of Mexican cinema, where different films excel in different aspects of storytelling and technical execution, showcasing the rich variety of perspectives that shape the industry today.
The International Convention Center was the site of the glamorous and cinematic Ariel Awards, which also brought a surge of tourism to Puerto Vallarta, drawing in celebrities from film, TV, and social media.
During their visit, actors, actresses, and filmmakers made time to walk along Puerto Vallarta's traditional Malecón boardwalk, savor the local flavors, hit famous beaches like Los Muertos, and explore the breathtaking landscapes of the South Zone, where the Pacific Ocean and the Sierra Madre mountains meet.
Guests were seen enjoying both the nightlife and the natural landscapes of Puerto Vallarta, as shown in images that circulated on social media.
The Friendliest City in the World positioned itself as more than just the venue for a gala; it became the host of cultural and tourist experiences that showcased the destination's hospitality and richness.
For many artists, the gala provided the ideal opportunity to explore a location that seamlessly melds tradition, modernity, and a distinctive creative spirit.
The 67th Ariel Awards in Puerto Vallarta featured a variety of cultural events, including academic and educational activities. One of these was a keynote address by Mexican leading actor Joaquín Cosío at the Centro Universitario de la Costa campus.
The actor shared his experiences and reflections with students and young creators, giving them a reminder of the importance of these educational opportunities for the future of Mexican cinema.
The 67th Ariel Awards gala in Puerto Vallarta was full of emotional moments, but one of the most memorable was the master class celebrating the 25th anniversary of Amores Perros. This film, directed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu, completely transformed the landscape of Mexican cinema.
The event united a diverse group of professionals from the film industry, including producers, filmmakers, and actors. Together, they delved into the intricacies of the film's legacy, exploring its fragmented narrative, its portrayal of urban violence, and the profound human connections it weaves.
They reviewed anecdotes from the production, its impact on international festivals, and how it opened doors for new generations of filmmakers who are now successful both domestically and internationally.
The master class invited attendees to reflect on the power of Mexican cinema as an artistic and social tool. The audience, which was mostly made up of young students, had the opportunity to listen to and discuss a work that marked a significant turning point in filmmaking. This experience was both formative and inspiring.
Puerto Vallarta not only shone as the host of the 67th Ariel Awards, but also reaffirmed its role as a cinematic destination par excellence, where tourism and culture coexist in perfect harmony.
Cinema and the Friendliest City in the World have a long-standing relationship. Puerto Vallarta has been the natural setting for stories that travel around the world, from The Night of the Iguana (1964), which attracted international attention, to recent Hollywood productions and digital platforms.
Today, Puerto Vallarta stands as a premier international destination, boasting world-class hotel facilities and the capability to host international productions, festivals, and awards ceremonies.
For visitors, strolling along the Malecón boardwalk, delving into Old Town Vallarta, or exploring its beautiful beaches of soft golden sand is an experience reminiscent of a film shoot, with the added bonus of the charm of a real-life destination.
With the arrival of the 67th Ariel Awards, the city positions itself as the cultural capital of cinema in Mexico. And that is the real invitation: going to Puerto Vallarta is like taking a trip through the movies, where each person can be the main character of their own story.
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