Sally Hawkins expected someone "better, bigger, shinier" to get her role in 'The Shape of Water'.
Hawkins portrays mute cleaning lady Elisa, who works at a government research facility in the 1950s.
Elisa forms a bond with an Amazon sea god shackled in a pool at the laboratory.
The film is directed by visionary filmmaker Guillermo del Toro.
So far, it's a leading contender for a Best Picture Oscar.
Hawkins didn't think she'd land the role of Elisa.