Benicio del Toro: The Character Actor’s Triumphant 2025

LONDON, 22 January 2026 – From his mumbling breakout in *The Usual Suspects* to his Oscar-winning turn in *Traffic*, Benicio del Toro has long been regarded as one of cinema’s most compelling character actors. The past year, however, has seen the Puerto Rican star reach new heights, headlining major auteur projects and garnering fresh award season buzz, cementing his status as a versatile and enduring force in film.

From Santurce to Stardom

Born on 19 February 1967 in Santurce, Puerto Rico, Benicio Monserrate Rafael del Toro Sánchez moved to Pennsylvania with his family after his mother’s death. Initially enrolling at the University of California, San Diego for business, a fateful acting class altered his trajectory. He studied at New York’s Circle in the Square Theatre School and later under the legendary Stella Adler in Los Angeles, laying the groundwork for a career built on intense preparation and transformative performances.

His early career was defined by gritty, often morally ambiguous roles in independent films and television. His scene-stealing performance as the nearly unintelligible Fred Fenster in 1995’s *The Usual Suspects* announced his unique talent. He gained over 18 kg (40 lbs) to play Dr. Gonzo in Terry Gilliam’s *Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas* (1998), showcasing a commitment that would become his hallmark.

The Pinnacle: ‘Traffic’ and Beyond

The year 2000 was a watershed. His portrayal of the honourable but compromised Mexican police officer Javier Rodríguez in Steven Soderbergh’s *Traffic* dominated awards season. Del Toro swept the major trophies, winning the Academy Award, BAFTA, Golden Globe, and Screen Actors Guild Award for Best Supporting Actor. He became the third Puerto Rican actor to win an Oscar.

This success paved the way for a diverse career, spanning the tragic ex-con in *21 Grams* (2003) – earning a second Oscar nomination – to the revolutionary Che Guevara in Soderbergh’s *Che* (2008), for which he won the Best Actor award at the Cannes Film Festival. He has also seamlessly entered blockbuster territory, playing The Collector in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and DJ in *Star Wars: The Last Jedi* (2017).

A Landmark 2025: Two Andersons, One Del Toro

The actor’s recent work underscores his unique position, bridging the gap between meticulous auteur cinema and expansive storytelling.

In Wes Anderson’s *The Phoenician Scheme*, del Toro was handed a rare leading role, playing the ruthless 1950s tycoon Anatole “Zsa-zsa” Korda. The film, which premiered at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, was expressly written for him by Anderson. Del Toro described the opportunity as “a hell of a gift,” anchoring the film’s intricate plot and emotional core as Korda seeks to reconcile with his estranged daughter.

He then shifted gears for Paul Thomas Anderson’s action epic *One Battle After Another*, playing Sensei Sergio St. Carlos opposite Leonardo DiCaprio. The film, a black comedy thriller loosely inspired by Thomas Pynchon’s *Vineland*, was released in September 2025 to critical acclaim, with del Toro’s performance noted for its warmth and complexity within the chaotic narrative.

Awards & Accolades

Note: Several critics’ groups have already awarded del Toro for his role in *One Battle After Another*, with further nominations for the 2026 awards season pending.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Benicio del Toro from?

Benicio del Toro was born in Santurce, Puerto Rico on 19 February 1967. He holds American citizenship and also acquired Spanish citizenship in 2011 due to his Spanish ancestry.

Is he related to director Guillermo del Toro?

No. Despite sharing a surname and both being influential figures in cinema, Benicio del Toro is not related to the Mexican filmmaker Guillermo del Toro.

What are his most recent films?

In 2025, he starred in two major auteur films: Wes Anderson’s *The Phoenician Scheme* (released May 2025) and Paul Thomas Anderson’s *One Battle After Another* (released September 2025).

How many Oscars does he have?

Benicio del Toro has won one Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in *Traffic* (2000). He received a second nomination in the same category for *21 Grams* (2003).

What is he working on next?

While no new projects have been officially announced following his busy 2024-2025 schedule, del Toro has expressed a long-standing interest in directing a feature film himself in the future.