Heartbreaking footage from the 2009 Oscars captures celebrities’ reactions as the late Heath Ledger wins an award.
Ledger secured the Best Supporting Actor award at the prestigious ceremony for his iconic portrayal of the Joker in DC comics.
He took on the role in Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight, starring alongside Christian Bale, Gary Oldman, Michael Caine, and Maggie Gyllenhaal.
The accolade marked his second Academy Award; he had previously won Best Actor for 2005’s Brokeback Mountain. However, his 2009 win was profoundly different as Ledger had passed away a year earlier.
The 28-year-old died from acute intoxication, suspected to be the result of an accidental overdose of prescribed medications.
His sudden and tragic death deeply affected the film industry, a sentiment that was evident following Alan Arkin’s announcement of Ledger’s second Oscar win.
As the camera panned across the audience, several Hollywood stars appeared solemn, aware that Ledger was not present to accept the well-earned accolade.
Notably, The Dark Knight director Christopher Nolan was visibly somber when the camera focused on him, in what should have been a celebratory moment for everyone involved in the movie.
Elsewhere, Angelina Jolie and Ledger’s Brokeback Mountain co-star Anne Hathaway appeared to be tearing up.
Since Ledger wasn’t there to accept his Oscar, his parents and sister received the award on his behalf.
Ledger’s father, Kim, was the first to speak on stage.
“First of all, I have to say this is ever so humbling just being amongst such wonderful people and such a wonderful industry,” he began.
“Firstly, I’d like to thank the Academy for recognizing our son’s amazing work. Warner Bros. and Christopher Nolan in particular for allowing Heath the creative license to develop and explore this crazy Joker character.
“To Steve Alexander, Heath’s mentor, special friend and agent for ten years; we love you, Steve.”
He continued: “This award tonight would’ve humbly validated Heath’s quiet determination to be truly accepted by you all here, his peers, within an industry he so loved. Thank you.”
Sally Bell, Ledger’s mother, then shared: “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. Tonight we are choosing to celebrate and be happy for what he has achieved.”
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