Hollywood star, Sir Anthony Hopkins, on Sunday makes history at the 2021 British Academy Film Awards when he became the oldest man to be awarded Best Leading Actor.

At 83, the thespian who had already received the BAFTA Fellowship in 2008, was awarded the prize for his acclaimed performance in The Father.

The septuagenarian beat the late Chadwick Boseman who was seen as favourite before the BAFTA Film Award.

Despite the historic win, Anthony was a surprise no-show as he failed to appear at the virtual ceremony and later revealed he had been working on a painting in his hotel room in Wales.

Anthony, who has been living in Wales during the pandemic, admitted he wasn’t even aware he’d won the prize for Leading Actor, and was only alerted to the news by his family who were watching the ceremony unfold.

He said: ‘This is wonderful, never in my life did I expect I’d get this. I got to a point in my life, this particular film which is a powerful film I know.

‘So for me this is a bonus, it’s a fun bonus, and I wish all the other nominees and winners congratulations I’m just so astounded I was sitting here painting in fact in my hotel, and I heard this cheer go off next door, I thought they were watching a football match next door.’

He wasn’t the only big winner of the night not to show up: Frances McDormand also didn’t appear to accept her Leading Actress award, leaving the end of the ceremony somewhat flat.

Anthony’s trophy had to be accepted by The Father’s screenwriter Florian Zeller.