The family of Chadwick Boseman, the "Black Panther" star who was widely expected to receive the Oscar for "Best Actor" after his death for his role in "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom", has come to the defense of actor Anthony Hopkins who received the award.

The actor's brother, who died of cancer last August at the age of 43, says the family has no problem with Anthony Hopkins.

In a statement to TMZ, Derrick Boseman said his brother would have been the first to wish Hopkins all the best after the victory. According to him, the late actor would have seen winning an Oscar as an achievement, but never as an "obsession", adding that he thought all the selected actors were worthy of the award.

The surprise result Sunday night sparked backlash over Hopkins' absence during the broadcast, as well as the reversal of prices.

Tradition has it that "Best Picture" is the award that closes the Oscars ceremony, but this year, the last award was the one for "Best Actor" and this award ranking was not seen as random.

Anthony Hopkins reacted yesterday by thanking the Academy and praising the late Boseman.