Heath Ledger honoured posthumously
Heath Ledger, who died in January 2008 by an accidental drug overdose, has been receiving posthumous awards for his unparalleled performance as the Batman baddy in the Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight. The Australian Film Institute is the most recent, bestowing him with the international prize for best actor for his role as The Joker in the movie.
Heath’s family collected the coveted gong on his behalf at Melbourne's Princess Theatre, while audiences gave him a standing ovation. Heath's sister Kate, touched by the award and visibly bereaved at her loss, said,�"It has been without a doubt the most difficult year, losing such a loved family member. 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 board commended Heath’s acting skills when a member said, "He was the untamed spirit many of us wish we could be. May the legend live on."
