Watch: Anthony Hopkins pays tribute to Chadwick Boseman while accepting best actor

By Megan Armstrong | Last updated 4/26/21

Anthony Hopkins was recognized by the Academy Awards on Sunday night—marking his first Oscar win since 1992 when he claimed best actor for Silence of the Lambs—and the 83-year-old Welshman made history in the process:

Worth noting that Anthony Hopkins made history tonight as the oldest acting winner ever, in any category.
— Mark Harris (@MarkHarrisNYC) April 26, 2021

Hopkins was named best actor for his portrayal of Anthony in The Father, which also won best adapted screenplay, and his acceptance speech came from Wales via Instagram:

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A post shared by Anthony Hopkins (@anthonyhopkins)

"At 83 years of age, I did not expect to get this award. I really didn't," he said, soon adding: "I want to pay tribute to Chadwick Boseman, who was taken from us far too early, and again thank you all very much. I really did not expect this, so I feel very privileged and honored. Thank you."

The assumption was that Boseman would posthumously nab best actor for his work in Ma Rainey's Black Bottom after the categories were shuffled around on the broadcast: best picture, usually reserved for last, was revealed before best actress and best actor respectively. Viewers were largely expecting a Boseman triumph to close out the show. Ma Rainey's was his final film before passing away last August at 43 years old following a very private four-year battle with colon cancer.

Ma Rainey's did capture two Oscars out of five nominations (best achievement in makeup and hairstyling, best achievement in costume design).

Watch the trailers for The Father and Ma Rainey's below.