The purpose of the Ariel recognition is to stimulate and increase the excellence of Mexican cinema, favor the growth of the industry, and promote the meeting and strengthening of the national film community.

It is regarded as the most prestigious award in the Mexican film industry and considered Mexico's equivalent to the Oscars of the United States.

[1] The statuette is in the image of a man and it was designed by the sculptor Ignacio Asúnsolo.

The original statuette is currently found inside Churubusco Studios in Mexico City.

The name "Ariel" was inspired by a series of short writings called El Ariel by Uruguayan writer José Enrique Rodó that inspired generations of young Latin Americans in the first decades of the 20th century.