In 2017, she appeared in the Guillermo del Toro film "The Shape of Water", as Elisa Esposito, a mute woman who falls in love with a captured humanoid amphibian creature. Hawkins received widespread acclaim for her performance. Matthew Norman of "London Evening Standard" called it a career defining performance. Mark Kermode of "The Guardian" called her "sublime," Mihir Fadnavis of "Firstpost" called it a "winning performance," while Ann Horaday writing for "The Washington Post" stated that "Sally Hawkins delivers a beautiful performance". Hawkins earned nominations for the Academy Award, Golden Globe Award, BAFTA Award and SAG Award for Best Actress. The film itself won Best Picture at the 90th Academy Awards.