Guillermo Jorge Navarro Solares earned the 2007 Academy Award for Best Cinematography for his visual work on the film Pan's Labyrinth. Born in Mexico City in 1955, his career spans several decades as a cinematographer, screenwriter, and television director, bridging independent film production and large-scale international television projects through his distinct aesthetic choices.
Early Development and Technical Training
Navarro began exploring photography at age 13, establishing a home darkroom after completing a middle school workshop. Following his graduation from the National Autonomous University of Mexico with a sociology degree, he gained initial film industry experience as an on-set still photographer for productions managed by his sister. To refine his technical proficiency, he moved to Paris for a ten-year apprenticeship under cinematographer Ricardo Aronovich, departing from the standard progression path within the Mexican film industry.
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Upon relocating to the United States in 1994, Navarro built professional relationships with directors including Robert Rodriguez, Renny Harlin, and Quentin Tarantino. His partnership with Guillermo del Toro began with commercial projects and expanded to include the feature film Cronos, which secured a Golden Ariel. He later returned to Mexico to shoot The Devil's Backbone in 2001. His technical approach often utilizes vivid blue and yellow color palettes, complemented by variations in film grain structure and specialized lighting techniques involving bounced light and targeted set illumination.
Television Direction and Executive Production
Navarro transitioned into television direction in 2013, debuting with an episode of the series Hannibal. His directing portfolio subsequently grew to include episodes for shows such as The Bridge, Narcos, Preacher, and Luke Cage. Beyond his directorial work, he served as an executive producer for the National Geographic documentary series Hostile Planet, an effort that resulted in a Primetime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Series. His initial foray into directing short-form content occurred in 2012 with a music video for Mia Maestro.
Fast facts
- Born: 1955, Mexico City
- Citizenship: Mexico
- Occupations: Screenwriter, photographer, cinematographer, television director, film director
- Academy Award for Best Cinematography: 2007
- Education: National Autonomous University of Mexico (Sociology)
- First Directorial Short: Blue Eyed Sailor (2012)
Questions readers ask
Which film earned Navarro an Academy Award?
He won the Academy Award for Best Cinematography in 2007 for his work on Pan's Labyrinth.
What is his professional background outside of cinema?
Navarro has a degree in sociology and extensive experience as a freelance photographer, having worked on fashion shoots and album covers.
Achievements
- Academy Award for Best Cinematography — 2007
- Worked as cinematographer, photographer and television director
