Heath Ledger honored by Aussie film institute

December 06, 2008 The late Australian actor Heath Ledger was awarded one of his country's most prestigious film awards on Saturday for his final role as the Joker in "The Dark Knight." Guests at a packed awards ceremony in Melbourne's Princess Theater rose to their feet clapping, but with some in tears, to pay tribute to the actor who was nominated for an Oscar for his role as a taciturn gay cowboy in 2005's "Brokeback Mountain." The film, which opens in the U.S. this month, picked up various other awards including best supporting actor and actress for Luke Ford and Toni Collette, while director and co-writer Elissa Down won best direction and original screenplay.

Subscribe to the Hollywood Reporter and see the entertainment industry from its best angle: the inside looking out. Complete access to real-time news and exclusive analysis that goes behind the scenes from film to television, home video to digital media.

   Subscribe now.