Mexico Shines at Oscars: Mexican filmmakers celebrated at Academy Awards

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Mexican filmmakers are still celebrating their achievements at this year's Academy Awards. Guillermo Del Toro took home top awards for best director and best picture. As CGTN's Franc Contreras reports, that wasn't the only Mexican success.

The power and beauty of Mexican culture - on full display - at the 90th Academy Awards in Hollywood. Disney Pixar's film Coco won the Oscar for Best Song, performed here by Mexican superstar Natalia LaFourcade. Coco, which tells a story based on Mexico's iconic cultural tradition, Day of the Dead, also won an Oscar for Best Animated Feature.

The biggest winner of the night was The Shape of Water, a fantasy drama about a mute woman, who falls in love with an amphibious sea monster.

The film was co-written and directed by Guadalajara-born filmmaker Guillermo Del Toro. He won the night's top prize, Best Picture, along with Best Original Score and Best Director.

"I want to tell you, everyone that is dreaming of a parable of using genre of fantasy to tell stories about the things that are real in the world today, you can do it. This is a door, kick it open and come in."

Del Toro's victory made headlines across Mexico and Latin America. He's now a living inspiration for Edan Pedraza, who has worked briefly in Mexico's film industry.

EDNA PEDRAZA FASHION DESIGNER "I'm so proud because of these awards that Mexicans won abroad - and they are such highly recognized awards - the Oscars. It makes me feel like I can do it."

FRANC CONTRERAS MEXICO CITY "In the last five years, Mexican film directors have won four Oscars, with the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences recognizing their outstanding achievements in the world of cinema."

Ernesto Anaya has his heart set on directing his own feature-length film. He says del Toro's achievements motivate him toward that goal.

ERNESTO ANAYA FILMMAKER "As a filmmaker you want many people to see what you do. So it's fantastic to see someone like him telling you you can do it, yes. It's inspiring definitely."

Most Mexicans will never forget the night when the contributions of great Mexican filmmakers were celebrated as an essential and inseparable part of American cinema. FC, CGTN, Mexico City.