Anthony Hopkins was one of the big winners during the 2021 Oscars, but as it turns out, he wasn't even in the country when his name was called! On Monday— a day after he was awarded Best Actor for his role as "Anthony" in Florian Zeller's drama The Father— Hopkins took to Instagram with a belated acceptance speech.

Hopkins shares he's currently spending time in Wales

Hopkins began his acceptance speech by sharing that he didn't attend the Oscars since he's in the United Kingdom right now! "Good morning, I'm in my homeland in Wales," he shared at the beginning of the video, while standing outside with a picturesque landscape behind him.

The actor then expressed his surprise and gratitude about winning the Oscar in a category that included nominees like Riz Ahmed, Steven Yeun, and the late Chadwick Boseman. "At 83 years of age, I did not expect to get this award. I really didn't," he said. With his win, Hopkins is now the oldest Best Actor winner in Oscars history!

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Anthony Hopkins as "Anthony" in The Father (2020)

Hopkins honours late nominee Boseman in acceptance speech

Hopkins also gave a special mention to Boseman in his acceptance speech. He explained that he wanted to "pay tribute" to the Ma Rainey's Black Bottom actor, who he said "was taken from us far too early." Last year, Boseman tragically passed away after an ongoing— and private— battle with cancer.

Many had anticipated Boseman to posthumously win the award over Hopkins, whose unexpected win was considered to be one of the night's biggest surprises! "I really did not expect this. So I feel very privileged and honoured," Hopkins concluded his Instagram acceptance speech. "Thank you."

Anthony Hopkins Movies Quiz

Quiz

In the film 'The Silence of the Lambs', what was "Hannibal Lecter's" profession before he was captured?