Guillermo del Toro’s “The Shape of Water,” a fantastical romance, defied expectations to capture the prestigious Best Picture award at the 90th Academy Awards in 2018. A visually stunning and emotionally resonant film, it resonated with audiences and critics alike, ultimately edging out strong contenders to claim the coveted prize.
The Academy’s Choice: A Deeper Dive into “The Shape of Water”
“The Shape of Water” is a Cold War-era fairy tale about Elisa Esposito (Sally Hawkins), a mute cleaning lady at a high-security government laboratory. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she discovers and forms a connection with an amphibious creature being held captive. Their burgeoning relationship, set against a backdrop of paranoia and prejudice, explores themes of love, acceptance, and the beauty of the unconventional.
Del Toro’s signature blend of fantasy, horror, and social commentary proved to be a winning formula, captivating the Academy with its masterful storytelling, stunning visuals, and powerful performances. The film’s win wasn’t just a recognition of its artistic merit; it was also a statement about the changing tastes of the Academy and its increasing willingness to embrace films that challenge conventional genres and narratives.
The victory of “The Shape of Water” sparked both celebration and debate. Some lauded its originality and emotional depth, while others questioned its narrative simplicity and perceived thematic weaknesses. Regardless, its impact on the film landscape is undeniable, solidifying del Toro’s position as a visionary filmmaker and demonstrating the power of unconventional storytelling.
Understanding the Competition: The 2018 Best Picture Nominees
The 2018 Best Picture race was particularly competitive, featuring a diverse range of films that represented the best of cinematic storytelling. Here’s a look at the other nominees:
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“Call Me by Your Name”: A coming-of-age romance set in Italy, praised for its nuanced performances and evocative atmosphere.
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“Darkest Hour”: A historical drama depicting Winston Churchill’s early days as Prime Minister during World War II, lauded for Gary Oldman’s transformative performance.
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“Dunkirk”: Christopher Nolan’s immersive war epic, known for its groundbreaking visual and sound design.
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“Get Out”: Jordan Peele’s social thriller, a groundbreaking film that blended horror with sharp commentary on race relations.
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“Lady Bird”: Greta Gerwig’s directorial debut, a charming and relatable coming-of-age story about a teenage girl in Sacramento.
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“Phantom Thread”: Paul Thomas Anderson’s period drama about a renowned dressmaker, celebrated for its meticulous craftsmanship and complex characters.
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“The Post”: Steven Spielberg’s historical drama about The Washington Post’s decision to publish the Pentagon Papers, a powerful story about journalistic integrity.
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“Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri”: Martin McDonagh’s darkly comedic crime drama, which stirred controversy for its portrayal of race relations.
The sheer diversity of these nominees highlights the breadth of cinematic talent and the varied perspectives represented within the film industry. The fact that “The Shape of Water” emerged victorious amidst such strong competition underscores its unique appeal and artistic merit.
The Significance of “The Shape of Water’s” Victory
The win for “The Shape of Water” wasn’t just another Oscar stat; it held significant implications for the film industry:
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Genre-Bending Wins: It demonstrated that the Academy was increasingly open to recognizing films that defy traditional genre conventions and blend elements of fantasy, romance, and social commentary.
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Del Toro’s Triumph: It solidified Guillermo del Toro’s reputation as a visionary filmmaker and a master of visual storytelling.
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Voice for the Underrepresented: The film’s themes of acceptance and love for the marginalized resonated with audiences and signaled a desire for more inclusive narratives.
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Artistic Vision Prioritized: It showed that artistic vision and originality can triumph over more commercially driven films.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the 2018 Best Picture Winner
H3 Why was “The Shape of Water” considered an underdog?
Despite critical acclaim, “The Shape of Water” was seen as an underdog due to its fantastical premise, genre-bending nature, and the presence of more traditionally “Oscar-bait” films in the competition, such as historical dramas. Many considered “Dunkirk” or “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri” to be the frontrunners.
H3 What were the main criticisms of “The Shape of Water”?
Some critics argued that the film’s narrative was too simplistic, borrowing heavily from other sources, and that its social commentary felt heavy-handed. Others questioned the believability of the central romance and felt that the film prioritized style over substance.
H3 What other awards did “The Shape of Water” win?
Besides Best Picture, “The Shape of Water” won three other Oscars: Best Director (Guillermo del Toro), Best Original Score (Alexandre Desplat), and Best Production Design. It also won numerous other awards, including the Golden Globe for Best Director and the BAFTA Award for Best Direction.
H3 How did the #MeToo movement impact the 2018 Oscars?
The #MeToo movement cast a significant shadow over the 2018 Oscars, influencing the tone of the ceremony and highlighting the need for greater representation and accountability within the film industry. While not directly impacting the winner, the movement contributed to a climate that favored films with progressive themes.
H3 What is the meaning behind the amphibious creature in the film?
The amphibious creature can be interpreted as a symbol of the “other,” the marginalized, and the misunderstood. He represents those who are different and ostracized by society. The film explores themes of acceptance and finding beauty in the unconventional.
H3 How did the Academy’s voting system work in 2018?
The Academy uses a preferential ballot system for the Best Picture category. Voters rank the nominees in order of preference, and the film with the fewest first-place votes is eliminated. The votes for the eliminated film are then redistributed based on the voters’ second-choice selections. This process continues until one film receives a majority of the votes.
H3 Who presented the Best Picture award in 2018?
Faye Dunaway and Warren Beatty, who famously presented the wrong winner the previous year due to an envelope mix-up, returned to present the award, creating a moment of redemption and closure.
H3 What was the budget and box office gross of “The Shape of Water”?
“The Shape of Water” had a relatively modest budget of around $19.4 million and grossed over $195 million worldwide, making it a significant box office success.
H3 What is Guillermo del Toro’s signature style?
Del Toro is known for his distinct visual style, which often incorporates elements of fantasy, horror, and gothic romance. He is also known for his use of practical effects, intricate creature designs, and his exploration of themes related to the “other” and the power of imagination.
H3 Where can I watch “The Shape of Water”?
“The Shape of Water” is available for streaming on various platforms, including Hulu, and can be rented or purchased on services like Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, and Apple TV. Availability may vary depending on your region.
H3 What other films are similar to “The Shape of Water”?
Films with similar themes and styles include “Beauty and the Beast” (exploring the beauty within), “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” (a bond between human and creature), “Pan’s Labyrinth” (del Toro’s own fantasy film with dark undertones), and “Creature from the Black Lagoon” (a classic monster movie that inspired del Toro).
H3 How did the win affect Sally Hawkins’ career?
Sally Hawkins’ performance in “The Shape of Water” garnered widespread acclaim and earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. While she didn’t win, the role significantly raised her profile and led to more prominent roles in subsequent films, solidifying her status as a respected and versatile actress.