SHAPE of Water has enjoyed huge success this awards season.

But who is in the cast of the Oscar winning movie and what's the fantasy epic all about? Here's all you need to know...

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What is Shape of Water about?

The Shape of Water tells the story of mute janitor Elisa Esposito, who discovers a mysterious amphibian creature at the secret research facility where she works.

Both unable to communicate verbally, Elisa and the Amphibian Man strike up an intimate relationship as the director challenges concepts of sexuality and communication.

Assisted by close friend Zelda and closeted neighbour Giles, Elisa works to free the creature from the hands of those who wish to destroy it.

Set in the early 1960s against the backdrop of the Cold War, The Shape of Water is a gripping tale that's not to be missed.

The film is in English and does not have subtitles.

When was Shape of Water released and what's the run-time?

Despite already being released in the US, British moviegoers had to wait a little longer to catch the flick.

The Shape of Water was released in the UK on February 14, 2018.

It's been given a 15 certification by the BBFC due to "strong violence, language, sex, and nudity."

The Shape of Water has a running time of 123 minutes.

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Who is in the cast of The Shape of Water?

Sally Hawkins

The Shape of Water sees Sally Hawkins take on the role of mute janitor Elisa Esposito who strikes up a connection with a mysterious humanoid amphibian.

Sally's previous screen credits include Made in Dagenham, Happy-Go-Lucky, Paddington, Godzilla and Blue Jasmine.

Octavia Spencer

Octavia Spencer takes on the role of Zelda Fuller, Elisa's colleague and close friend.

The 45-year-old actress has won critical acclaim for her turns in Hidden Figures, Zootopia, and The Help.

Michael Shannon

Acclaimed actor Michael Shannon portrays Colonel Richard Strickland, who has captured the creature and is ordered to dissect it.

Michael has also starred in Pearl Harbour, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, and Revolutionary Road.

He also performs in his indie rock band Corporal. The 43-year-old is in a relationship with actress Kate Arrington.

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Doug Jones

A frequent collaborator of Guillermo del Toro, Doug Jones has previously worked with the director on Mimic, the Hellboy franchise, Pan's Labyrinth and Crimson Peak.

The Shape of Water sees Doug, 57, bring the mysterious amphibian creature to life.

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What BAFTA awards was The Shape of Water nominated for?

The Shape of Water dominated the 2018 BAFTA nominations.

It scooped nods for:

• Best film
• Best director - WINNER
• Best original screenplay
• Best actress
• Best supporting actress
• Best original music
• Best cinematography
• Best editing
• Best production design
• Best costume design
• Best sound
• Best special visual effects

The Shape of Water also received several Oscar nominations:

• Best picture - WINNER
• Best actress
• Best supporting actress
• Best supporting actor
• Best director - WINNER
• Best original screenplay
• Best original score - WINNER
• Best cinematography
• Best costume design
• Best production design - WINNER
• Best film editing
• Best sound editing
• Best sound mixing

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What do reviews say about Shape of Water?

said The Shape of Water is Del Toro's "best work to date" and claims the director manages to blend "whimsical fairy tale with a fresh spin on classic monster movies for a delightful experience."

said: "Hawkins, in this nearly silent performance, is wonderful.... And Jones - also in a nearly silent role - is remarkable."