ABC exec defends Oscars abrupt ending on best actor award: It was a ‘calculated risk’ that ‘still worked’

The 93rd Academy Awards debuted a lot of firsts but none were more obvious than switching the presentation of the best picture award with best actor from its longtime position as the final award of the night. The honor went to Anthony Hopkins, who was not in attendance.

It was a move that many believed to be a set-up for the late Chadwick Boseman to posthumously earn the best actor nod for his performance in "Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom," but the honor instead, went to Anthony Hopkins, 83, for his role in "The Father." After announcing he had won, award presenter Joaquin Phoenix, 46, said that Hopkins was not in attendance at Union Station in Los Angeles, Calif., to accept his accolade, and noted that the Academy would accept the award on Hopkins’ behalf before bolting off the stage.