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Late Australian actor Heath Ledger won a rare posthumous Oscar here Sunday as best supporting actor for his performance as The Joker in Batman blockbuster "The Dark Knight."
Ledger, who died in January last year of an accidental drug overdose aged 28, became only the second performer in history to be awarded an Oscar posthumously, emulating compatriot Peter Finch, who won for "Network" in 1976.
The award was poignantly accepted at the glittering Hollywood ceremony by Ledger's father, Kim, his mother, Sally Ledger Ball and his sister, Kate, who dedicated the golden statuette to his young daughter, Matilda.
"Heath was such a compassionate and generous soul who added so much excitement and inspiration to our lives. We have been truly overwhelmed by the honor and respect being bestowed upon him with this award," his mother said.
Ledger's sister, Kate Ledger, added: "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.
"We really wish you were, but we proudly accept this award on behalf of your beautiful Matilda."
Ledger had already won a string of major awards this year for his superb portrayal of Batman's arch-enemy, helping "The Dark Knight" become the second-highest grossing film in US history.
Actor Kevin Kline, who unveiled Ledger's nomination at the 81st Academy Awards, said the Australian actor had left the world of cinema "an original and enduring legacy."
"In a year of striking film images, perhaps the most unforgettable was that of a man, his face smeared with clown make-up, gleefully sticking his head out of a speeding car, relishing the night wind and reveling in the chaos he has unleashed on the streets of Gotham City.
"Menacing, mercurial, droll and diabolical, Heath Ledger as the Joker in 'The Dark Knight' kept us all on edge, anxious to see which act of appalling mischief he might commit next."
Ledger overcame competition from other nominees Josh Brolin for "Milk," Philip Seymour Hoffman for "Doubt," Robert Downey Jr. for "Tropic Thunder" and Michael Shannon for "Revolutionary Road."
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