Gael Garcia Bernal Biography

Birth Date: November 30, 1978

Place of Birth: Guadalajara, Mexico

Hangs With:
Close friend of actor Diego Luna

Role That Got Him Noticed:
Alejandro González Iñárrituˇs Academy Award-nominated "Amores Perros."

Gael Garcia Bernal Biography (Courtesy-Focus Features & The Motorcycle Diaries): September 1, 2004 - After working as an actor in his native Mexico since childhood, Gael García Bernal ('Ernesto Guevara de la Serna' in "The Motorcycle Diaries") made his feature film debut in Alejandro González Iñárrituˇs Academy Award-nominated "Amores Perros." His breakthrough performance in the universally acclaimed film earned him a Silver Ariel Award (Mexicoˇs equivalent of the Oscar) as well as a Silver Hugo Award at the Chicago International Film Festival, both as Best Actor.

Mr. Bernalˇs next film role was in another globally celebrated feature, Alfonso Cuáronˇs Academy Award-nominated "Y Tu Mamá También," starring opposite his lifelong friend Diego Luna. For their performances, the two friends were jointly voted the Marcello Mastroianni Award at the Venice International Film Festival.

He subsequently starred in the title role of Carlos Carreraˇs Academy Award-nominated romantic drama "El Crimen del Padre Amaro" ["The Crime of Father Amaro"]. His performance earned him the Silver Goddess Award for Best Actor from the Mexican Cinema Journalists, as well as a nomination from the Chicago Film Critics Association for Most Promising Performer.

Mr. Bernal can also be seen starring this year in Pedro Almodóvarˇs "La Mala Educacíon" ["Bad Education"]. He next begins work on James Marshˇs independent feature "The King."