United Kingdom, June 8 -- John Lithgow has become the oldest man to win an acting prize at the Tony Awards.

The 80-year-old star won Best Actor in a Play for his role as Roald Dahl in Giant, while also making history after waiting 53 years between competitive acting wins at the prestigious ceremony.

During his acceptance speech, he said: "I'm such a lucky actor. This is my third Tony Award.

"My first one was 53 years ago at my Broadway debut in the American premiere of an English play, which by an amazing coincidence originated at London's Royal Court Theatre, just like Giant. "Two Tony bookends with 53 years between them. In those years, I have worked with hundreds of just fantastic theatre artists.

"I've had dozens and dozens of ecs...