The nominees in the Best Actor category at the 93rd Academy Awards included a historically diverse selection of actors, two previous Oscar winners and, sadly, a talent we lost way too soon.
The award was won by Anthony Hopkins for his role in The Father.
Hopkins was not present at the awards ceremony and so posted an acceptance speech to his Instagram account the following morning, paying tribute to the late Chadwick Boseman who many thought would be the recipient of the award.
“Here I am in my homeland in Wales,” Hopkins said. “At 83 years of age, I did not expect to get this award, I really didn’t. I’m very grateful to the Academy.
“I want to pay tribute to Chadwick Boseman, who was taken from us far too early. I really did not expect this, so I feel very privileged and honoured.”
With his win — his third so far — the 83-year-old made history as the oldest actor, male or female, to earn an Oscar.
Meanwhile, Steven Yeun, nominated for his role as Jacob Yi in Minari, made history as the first-ever Asian-American to receive an Oscar nomination in the Best Actor category. His portrayal of a father-of-two who moves his young family to rural Arkansas in the 1980s in search of greater opportunity has drawn him widespread acclaim. Yeun was also added to the “ensemble cast” of presenters at the 2021 event.
Riz Ahmed, nominated for his role as Ruben Stone in Sound of Metal, also made history as the first Muslim to be nominated in the acting category. In the film, Ahmed portrays a heavy metal drummer who starts to lose his hearing. Ahmed is a first time Oscar nominee.
The late Boseman was nominated for his final role — that of Levee Green in Netflix’s Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom. Boseman, who is a first time Oscar nominee, has been posthumously sweeping award season for his portrayal of the trumpet player — winning the Golden Globe, SAG and Critics Choice Awards for his performance. The beloved actor passed away on August 28, 2020, after a secret battle with colon cancer.
Two-time Oscar nominee Gary Oldman — who won Best Actor for his portrayal of Winston Churchill in 2017’s Darkest Hour — received a nomination in 2021 for the role of Herman J. Mankiewicz, which he played in David Fincher’s Mank.
Hopkins’ nomination for playing Anthony in Florian Zeller’s The Father marks his 6th recognition in the category. The legendary actor has previously won the award for his portrayal of Hannibal Lector in 1991’s The Silence of the Lambs.
What better way to experience this year’s Oscar winners than on the big screen at HOYTS? Catch The Father at a HOYTS cinema now.
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