Commemorating Heath Ledger’s Unending Flair and Cleverness
In Tuesday’s replay of the 81st Academy Awards shown at Studio 23, I was more excited to watch the awards night this time. I was waiting for the awarding of the Oscar Best Supporting Actor. In January, I first heard about Heath Ledger’s Academy Award best supporting actor nomination for The Dark Knight. I really wished in the depths of my heart that he will win it. He deserves the nomination more than anyone else. Not because he’s not with us here anymore. But because his performance as the menacing Joker will go down the history of cinema as one of the best big screens villains. And arguably one of the best performances of an actor that ever graced the movie screens. He definitely has left us a legacy as one of the best actors in his generation.
I was rejoicing for the sweep win of Danny Boyle’s Slumdog Millionaire because I really fell in love with the movie even though I haven’t seen The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, The Reader, Milk and Frost Nixon. I’m sure each of the other nominees for best picture is beautiful in their own right. I already knew that Heath Ledger won because I saw the live forecast on Monday and he deserved it in an utmost manner. But the feeling was really overpowering on Tuesday when I exactly saw Kevin Kline presented him the best supporting actor.
“ This striking film images, perhaps the most unforgettable is that of a man with his face smeared with a clown make- up ; gleefully spitting his head out of a speeding car; relishing in the night wind and reveling in the chaos he has unleashed on the streets of Gotham City. “
"Menacing, mercurial, droll and diabolical," co-presenter Kevin Kline summarized as he listed Ledger among the supporting actor nominees.
“Heath Ledger as the Joker in the Dark Knight kept us all on edge anxious to see what act of falling mischief he might commit next with his revering performance as well as a wide range of other roles to which he put his unique signature. Heath Ledger has left us an original and enduring legacy. “
I was crying then when his parents, Kim Ledger and Sally Bell with his sister Kate Ledger walked up the stage to accept his award in behalf of his daughter Matilda.
“This is ever so humbling being in such wonderful people in a wonderful industry. Firstly, we’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 10 years. We Love you Steve.
"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," Kim Ledger said.
“Heath was such a compassionate and genuine soul. He rendered so much excitement and inspiration in our lives. We have been truly overwhelmed with the honor and respect being bestowed upon him with this award. Tonight, we are choosing to celebrate and be happy with what he has achieved, “Sally Bell said.
“Heath, we both knew what you had created in the Joker was extraordinary special and had even talked about being here on this very day. We really wished you were but we proudly accept this award in behalf of your beautiful daughter Matilda, Kate Ledger said.
I knew Heath Ledger would win the Oscar Best Supporting Actor. God didn’t allow anything to interfere with Heath Ledger’s win. Because God knew that he really was meant for it whether he’s still with us here or not. I have high respects for anyone who has gotten nominated at the Oscars. Therefore, I have high respects as well for Heath Ledger’s co-nominees. But they themselves had put their faith in Heath to win the plum award.
I just really wish he was there on stage to accept the award he really worked hard for. I wished I heard him say his acceptance speech and how thrilled he was to be bestowed with this kind of honor. I’m sure he will be in absolute happiness. But even though he was just watching from above, I know and we know his fans and the people who love him that he’s extremely happy with the tribute and reverence by the people and his peers for him. We know you know we love you dearly. You will always be a part of our lives. We will never forget you Heath Ledger.
