Che actor Benicio del Toro was celebrated in Cuba last week for his distinguished body of work. The Puerto Rican star was given the first Tomas Gutierrez Alea award (named after the late Cuban director) by the National Union of Writers and Artists of Cuba, or Uneac. "It's an honor. I share this with all the artists here. As an artist, I feel that we're all in the same boat," Del Toro said after accepting his honor.

Acclaimed American actors Bill Murray, Robert Duvall and James Caan joined Del Toro at the ceremony. "This is a show that will never be repeated; Bill Murray singing, Robert Duvall with a bouquet of flowers, James Caan seated at my side, as well as the presence of Cuban actors Jorge Perugorria and Mirta Ibarra," Del Toro told reporters.

Uneac President Miguel Barnet said that Cuba’s decision to honor Del Toro is an "obvious demonstration of how much respect" Cuba has "for the United States's true culture." He continued, "Above and beyond any obstacle, any embargo, any blockade, any dispute, we greatly respect and admire all the good that's been done in terms of culture in that country and [the U.S. commonwealth of] Puerto Rico."

Del Toro won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in director Steven Soderbergh’s Traffic. The two collaborated again for the epic film Che, a biopic about the iconic revolutionary. The film received a standing ovation when Del Toro premiered it in Cuba back in December. It went on to become a huge hit in the communist-ruled nation.