In 2007, he was one of 10 Mexican Oscar-nominees. The others were Adriana Barraza, Guillermo Arriaga, Guillermo del Toro, Alfonso Cuarón, Guillermo Navarro, Emmanuel Lubezki, Eugenio Caballero, Alex Rodríguez and Fernando Cámara.

Children: Maria Eladia and Eliseo.

Was part of the jury of the 2007 Venice Film Festival.

Very first Mexican to receive an Oscar-nomination for Best Director.

He is friends with fellow successful Mexican directors Alfonso Cuarón and Guillermo del Toro. The three often produce & support each other in their cinematic projects.