Heath Ledger Wins First Posthumous ‘Dark Knight’ Award

Heath Ledger’s first posthumous award for his portrayal of the Joker in ‘The Dark Knight’ came, appropriately enough, from his home country. Â  The Australian Film Institute awarded Ledger the International Award for Best Actor on Saturday.

The award’s ceremony was held at Melbourne’s Princess Theater. Â  The crowd came to a standing ovation to pay tribute to the late actor’s performance and his career. Â  Ledger’s sister, Kate, accepted the award along with Ledger’s parents.

“It has been without a doubt the most difficult year, losing such a loved family member,” Kate said. Â  “We are so proud of him and humbly accept this award on behalf of his beautiful daughter (Matilda) who we will cherish forever.”

The AFI, celebrating its 50th-annual award ceremony, paid tribute to Ledger’s career, saying he was a  “ground-breaking actor trapped in the body of a leading man.”   The tribute also went on to say  “He was the untamed spirit many of us wish we could be. May the legend live on.”

Source: The Hollywood Reporter