“The Shape of Water” Wins Big at Academy Awards

(NBC News) “The Shape of Water” won big at Sunday’s Academy Awards.

The romance about a mute woman and a sea creature earned Best Picture and three other Oscars, including Best Director for Guillermo Del Toro.

“I was a kid enamored with movies growing up in Mexico. I thought this could never happen. It happens,” the director said.

In the acting categories there were no surprises. Gary Oldman’s portrayal of Winston Churchill in “Darkest Hour” brought him Best Actor, while supporting honors went to Allison Janney for “I, Tonya” and Sam Rockwell for “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri”.

That film’s star, Francis McDormand, was overwhelmed by her second Oscar as Best aAtress.

McDormand saluted all of the night’s female nominees, encouraging their continued support in Hollywood.

The night also produced some history.

“Get Out”‘s writer and director, Jordan Peele, became the first African American to win Best Original Screenplay.