Michelle Garza’s ‘Huesera’ leads the nominations for the Ariel Awards

Horror Huesera delivered a scary blow at the nominations presentation ceremony for the prestigious Ariel Awards for Mexican cinema. Talented director Michelle Garza’s first feature film placed at the top with an impressive total of 17 nominations.including the coveted Best Director category.

This is followed by El norte sobre el vacío, directed by Alejandra Márquez, with 16 nominations, and BARDO, False Chronicle of a Few Truths, by the famous Alejandro G. Iñárritu, with 12 nominations.

Iñárritu also appears as a candidate for Best Director in a category that is notable for its female presence. “We want to continue valuing the infinity of perspectives that make up our sector, to continue talking about inclusion, diversity, equity and plurality,” said Leticia Huijara, director of the Mexican Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMACC).

Garza’s first feature immerses us in the story of Valeria, a woman whose happiness due to her first pregnancy is threatened by paranormal phenomena. Huesera is a terrifying bodily experience which combines sinister spirits, chilling scenes, dark magic and complicated family relationships. The film was released in theaters to positive reception from the public, in a country that has earned the title of the largest consumer of horror films in the world.

This masterpiece received nominations in categories such as Best Director, Actress, Original Screenplay, Cinematography, First Feature, Editing, Special Effects and Art Design, among others.

• It may interest you to read: 5 Horror Movies You Must See to Understand Huesera
• Huesera, the psychological and Mexican horror film

THE Ariel Award nominations revealed it was marked by controversy over cuts in the film industry. In November last year, the Mexican Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced the suspension “until further notice” of the call for this year’s awards due to a “major financial crisis” the institution is going through . Critics have targeted the government of Andrés Manuel López Obrador for the cuts imposed on the cultural sector.

The State, which has long been the driving force and pillar of the Academy, has renounced its responsibility as the main promoter and disseminator of culture in general and of cinema in particular”.

Where will the Ariel Awards 2023 be?

The Ariel Awards are the most prestigious awards in the film industry in Mexico and have been awarded since 1946 in recognition of directors, producers and actors who, despite difficult national conditions, keep the Mexican seventh art industry alive. Entries are made at the beginning of the year and Academy members are in charge of choosing the winners.

On this occasion, the Ariels leave Mexico City for the first time, as the exciting 65th edition of the awards will take place on September 9 at the majestic Degollado Theater in Guadalajara, Jalisco.

Decentralizing the ceremony that recognizes the excellence of Mexican cinema is a decisive step towards recognizing the diversity of voices and perspectives that make up our cinematic universe. It is embracing the plurality that regional artists bring to our industry,” Huijara enthused.

The presence of Huesera leads the nominations has generated a wave of enthusiasm and expectations in the world of Mexican cinema. The film has become a cult phenomenon, capturing the attention of audiences with its gripping story and its ability to push the limits of the horror genre.

Michelle Garza’s bold vision and technical prowess have been recognized with well-deserved nominations in various categories. Her ability to create an atmosphere of palpable horror, combined with intense storytelling and outstanding performances, resonated deeply with audiences.