Christopher Plummer revealed that he has been rehearsing his Oscar acceptance speech his whole life.
The veteran actor picked up the Best Supporting Actor gong at the ceremony last night for his role in Beginner, adding to the Golden Globe, Bafta and Screen Actors Guild Award that he has already won.
His win makes him the oldest recipient of an Oscar in history at the age of eighty two.
After a standing ovation from the audience Plummer said: "You're only two years older than me, darling. Where have you been all my life?
"I have a confession to make. When I first emerged from my mother's womb, I was already rehearsing my Academy Awards speech... mercifully for you, I've forgotten it, but I haven't forgotten who to thank - the Academy, of course, for this extraordinary honour, and my fellow nominees... I'm so proud to be in your company."
The role of Hal in Beginners secured Plummer only the second Oscar nominee of his illustrious career, the first coming two years ago for The Last Station.
He beat off competition from Kenneth Branagh, Jonah Hill, Nick Nolte and Max Von Sydow.