Posthumous Oscar for Ledger?

The Herald Sun in Australia yesterday reported that Warner Brothers Studios has launched a campaign to secure a posthumous Academy Award for late actor Heath Ledger. Ledger excelled in his portrayal of the Joker in Christopher Nolan's 2008 film 'the Dark Knight'. Tragically, Ledger died in January of an accidental prescription drug overdose in his New York apartment. Ledger, a native of Perth, Australia had lived in the US for many years and had his first claim to fame with the 1999 teen flick 'Ten Things I Hate About You' alongside Julia Stiles.

After Ledger's tragic death on January 22nd 2008, people around the world began to excitedly anticipate the release of the Dark Knight. Rumours of Ledger's remarkable turn as the Joker were circulating by Spring. When the film was released in July 2008 amidst much hype, some critics labelled his performance over-rated. However, the majority of critics and fans lapped up his magical performance. Having not seen the prequel, Batman Begins, I expected to be a little lost whilst watching the film. But this was impossible. Ledger's performance as the psychopathic Joker intent on destroying all that is good in Gotham City was mesmorising. To say he owned the room is the understatement of the century. His performance swung from painfully funny (in particular the Hospital scene) to truly terrifying. The character seen on screen was completely unidentifiable as Ledger. He appeared that he had literally become the Joker.

The film industry and fans around the world were shocked at Ledger's tragic death. At just 28 years old, it appeared Ledger had a serious amount of performance left in him. Perhaps his most famous role was that of cowboy Ennis Del mar in 2005's Brokeback Mountain, which earned him Oscar and BAFTA nominations. The film also starred Jake Gyllenhaal. The passion evident in both actors in their roles made it impossible for even the most 'I'm not interested' moviegoer to turn away from Brokeback. It was in this film that Ledger met his future fiancee Michelle Williams. They welcomed a daughter named Matilda Rose in October 2005. Shortly before his death, Ledger broke off the engagement and was reportedly renting the apartment (in which he died) from Mary Kate Olsen.

According to the Sun Herald report, Warner Brothers have rolled out an Oscar specific ad, namely a 'For Your Consideration' poster. This is aimed at members of the Academy as well as voters of the key lead-in award ceremonies, the Golden Globes, Screen Actors Guild and Directors Guild of America.

Great performances and films have gone unrewarded at the Oscars in the past but here's hoping Ledger will be rewarded after death for his inspirational performance.

Here's a clip of a youthful Ledger in Home and Away years ago http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/player/popup/?rn=240896&cl=6066850&ch=&src=y7tv