Heath Ledger wins posthumous Oscar

(AAP) - Late Australian actor Heath Ledger has won the Oscar for best supporting actor at the 81st Academy Awards in Hollywood.

Ledger, nominated in the best supporting actor category for his performance as The
Joker in The Dark Knight, was favourite to win.
Perth-born Ledger died from an accidental prescription drug overdose aged 28,
exactly 13 months ago.
His father Kim Ledger and mother Sally Bell and sister Kate accepted the award at
Hollywood's Kodak Theatre.
"Heath, we both knew what you had created in The Joker was extraordinarily special
and had even talked about being here on this very day," Kate Ledger said.
"We really wish you were, but we proudly accept this award on behalf of your
beautiful Matilda."
Sally described her son as a "generous soul" and said the family would celebrate his
life.
Ledger's win sparked an emotional reaction from many Hollywood stars.
Kate Winslet and Adrian Brody wept and Brad Pitt and Anne Hathaway fought back tears.
"This award tonight would have humbly validated Heath's quiet determination to be
truly accepted by you all here - his peers - within an industry he so loved. Thank
you," Kim Ledger said.
Ledger becomes only the second actor to win an Academy Award posthumously.
The other was also an Australian, Peter Finch, for Network in 1977.
Presenter Kevin Kline said Ledger's performance would long be remembered.
"Menacing, mercurial, droll and diabolical, Heath Ledger as The Joker in The Dark
Knight kept us all on edge, anxious to see what act of appalling mischief he might
commit next," Kline said.
"With this ... performance, as well as with a wide range of other roles to which he
put his unique signature, Heath Ledger has left us an original and enduring legacy."