Anthony Hopkins pays tribute to Chadwick Boseman with Oscar acceptance speech

Watch: Anthony Hopkins shares Oscars speech online

After he unexpectedly scooping Best Actor at the 2021 Academy Awards, Sir Anthony Hopkins has paid tribute to Chadwick Boseman.

The late Black Panther star had been predicted to win the award posthumously, but was pipped to the post by second-time winner Hopkins for The Father, who at 83 became the oldest acting Oscar winner ever.

Hopkins, who missed the ceremony and was unable to join by video conference, shared his acceptance speech from Wales on Instagram.

Read more: All the Oscar winners

"Good morning," Hopkins begins with lush green fields behind him.

"Here I am in my homeland in Wales, and at 83 years of age I did not expect to get this award. I really didn't. I'm very grateful to the Academy, and thank you."

He continued with a gesture to Boseman, who died in 2020 after a private battle with cancer.

"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 honoured. Thank you."

Kate Beckinsale and Alec Baldwin were among the many Instagram commenters congratulating Hopkins on his victory. "Congratulations 😍👏," wrote Beckinsale, while Baldwin opted for "Holy wow!"

Sir Anthony won the best actor prize at the Baftas earlier this month and also accepted the award from Wales.

Speaking at the time he said his family had gone on a “long vacation” after receiving their vaccinations.

“So we’re in Wales having a quiet time and are very grateful to everyone so that is where we will be,” he said.

Sir Anthony won his first Oscar in 1992 for his performance in The Silence Of The Lambs.

Watch a trailer for The Father