'Shape of Water' wins big at Oscars

Romantic fantasy “The Shape of Water” won the best picture Oscar on Sunday (local time), the film industry’s most prestigious honor, on a night where themes of female empowerment and activism almost overshadowed the awards.

Guillermo del Toro (L) accepts the Oscar for Best Picture for "The Shape of Water." (Photo: Reuters)

The Fox Searchlight movie’s Mexican filmmaker, Guillermo del Toro, won best director, dashing the hopes of a rare win by a woman or a black filmmaker.

The movie about a mute cleaning woman who falls in love with a strange river creature - a fable about the mistreatment of the powerless - had gone into the ceremony with a leading 13 nominations, and won a total of four Academy Awards.

As expected, Britain’s Gary Oldman won his first Oscar for playing World War Two leader Winston Churchill in Warner Bros.’ “Darkest Hour,” while Frances McDormand’s woman in a vengeful fury was a popular best actress winner for Fox Searchlight’s dark comedy“Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri.”

Following is a list of winners in key categories for the awards”

Best Picture

“The Shape of Water”

Best Actor

Gary Oldman -“Darkest Hour”

Best Actress

Frances McDormand -“Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri”

Best Director

Guillermo del Toro -“The Shape of Water”

Best Supporting Actor

Sam Rockwell -“Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri”

Best Supporting Actress

Allison Janney -“I, Tonya”

Best Original Screenplay

“Get Out”

Best Adapted Screenplay

“Call Me By Your Name”

Best Animated Film

“Coco”

Best Documentary Film

“Icarus”

Best Foreign Language Film

“A Fantastic Woman” - Chile

Original Song

“Remember Me” - Coco

(Source: NDO)