Anthony Hopkins has become the oldest-ever Oscar winner after taking the Best Actor award for his role in The Father.

A former Cowbridge Grammar School pupil, Sir Anthony, now aged 83 won for his performanced as an elderly man with dementia in Florian Zeller's film adaptation of his own play.

This is Sir Anthony's second Best Actor victory, 29 years after he won for his portrayal of Hannibal Lecter in The Silence of the Lambs.

He had also been nominated for his leading roles in The Remains of the Day and Nixon, as well as for supporting parts in The Two Popes and Amistad.

The win makes Sir Anthony the oldest ever Oscar winner acting, an honour previously held by the late Christopher Plummer, who was 82 when he won for Beginners in 2011.

The actor did not appear in-person nor via video link at the awards ceremony, but released a belated acceptance speech on Twitter.

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

"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."

Although he did not enjoy his time at Cowbridge Grammar School, Sir Anthony has visited Happy Days Vintage Homestore a number of times in recent years.