LOS ANGELES, March 4 (Xinhua) -- Mexican film director Guillermo del Toro, the director of fantasy film "The Shape of Water," lapped the other contenders to win the Best Director at the 90th Academy Awards here Sunday.

The contenders are Guillermo del Toro ("The Shape of Water"), Christopher Nolan ("Dunkirk"), Greta Gerwig ("Lady Bird"), Jordan Peele ("Get Out") and Paul Thomas Anderson ("Phantom Thread").

Del Toro, 54, had racked up an impressive lead at other pre-Oscar award ceremonies. He scored Best Director Awards from the prestigious Director's Guild of America, the Golden Globes, Critics' Choice and the British Academy Film and TV Awards.

It was the first Oscar win for del Toro, becoming the third Mexican filmmaker in the last five years to win best Oscar director.

"I am an immigrant," said del Toro in his acceptance speech.

"The best thing our industry does is to help erase the lines in the sand when the world tries to make them deeper," he added.

"Shape of Water" made a big splash since its late release on Dec. 1. Made with only 19 million dollars, the film has grossed 126 million dollars worldwide to date.