emilio "el indio" fernández (born emilio fernández romo, ; march 26, 1904 – august 6, 1986) was a mexican movie director, actor and screenwriter. he was one of the most famous directors of the golden age of mexican cinema in the 1940s and 1950s. he is best known for his work as director of the movie "maria candelaria", which won the palme d'or award at the 1946 cannes film festival.