Puerto Vallarta to Host 67th Ariel Awards, Celebrating the Best of Mexican Cinema

In a groundbreaking announcement at the Guadalajara International Film Festival (FICG), Jalisco’s Secretary of Tourism, Michelle Fridman Hirsch, confirmed that Puerto Vallarta will serve as the official host city for the 67th Ariel Awards, the most prestigious honor in Mexican cinema.

The Ariel Awards, presented by the Mexican Academy of Cinematic Arts and Sciences (AMACC), recognize excellence in filmmaking across 25 categories, including Best Picture, Director, Actor, Actress, and a wide range of technical achievements. This year’s ceremony will take place on September 20, 2025, in the vibrant and culturally rich city of Puerto Vallarta, a destination deeply intertwined with the history of cinema in Mexico.

A Historic Homecoming for a City Born from Cinema

In her remarks, Fridman Hirsch emphasized the significance of hosting the Ariels in a city long celebrated for its cinematic roots. “The Ariel Awards will make us all reflect on the roots of Puerto Vallarta,” she said. “This is a city that cannot be understood without its iconic film history—its beaches and scenery were immortalized in the 1963 Hollywood classic The Night of the Iguana, a film that helped shape Vallarta into the internationally renowned destination it is today.”

The ceremony will mark the third consecutive year that Jalisco hosts the Ariel Awards, underscoring the state’s commitment to the growth of Mexico’s audiovisual industry and its promotion of national talent. More than 10 million pesos will be invested by Jalisco’s Ministry of Tourism (Secturjal) to support the production of the event.

Strengthening Mexico’s Audiovisual Industry

As part of the event, officials also announced the introduction of the FILMA Award, which includes a 70,000-peso grant to support film productions within the state. This new initiative builds on the success of the 2021 “Made in Jalisco” prize, continuing the mission to highlight and empower local filmmaking talent.

The Ariel Awards in Puerto Vallarta are expected to draw 800 guests, including nominees, media representatives, renowned figures from Mexican cinema, and over 80 producers interested in bringing their projects to Jalisco. The event not only elevates Vallarta as a cultural hub, but also positions the state as a prime location for national and international film production.

A Showcase of Cinematic Excellence

Armando Casas Pérez, President of AMACC, highlighted Jalisco’s rich cinematic legacy and announced that the Ariel de Oro, the academy’s lifetime achievement award, will be presented to acclaimed actresses Patricia Reyes Spíndola and Jacqueline André, as well as the Projection Workers Union of Mexico for their longstanding contributions to the industry.

With strategic support from the Jalisco State Film Commission (FILMA) and a renewed alliance with the Guadalajara International Film Festival, this year’s awards aim to inspire a new generation of filmmakers and storytellers. The inclusion of influencers and celebrities with a combined audience of over 50 million followers is expected to catapult Puerto Vallarta into the national and international spotlight, transforming the city into a trending topic across social media platforms.

A Cultural Milestone for Mexico’s Most Beloved Port City

By hosting the 67th Ariel Awards, Puerto Vallarta reclaims its cinematic legacy and steps confidently into a future where art, culture, and tourism intersect. The event stands as a testament to Mexico’s creative spirit and Jalisco’s unwavering commitment to supporting the nation’s thriving film industry.

As the red carpet rolls out beneath the tropical skies of Vallarta this September, the world will once again turn its gaze to the city where legends were made, and where a new chapter in Mexican cinema is being written.