And the Oscar Goes to … Matilda, If Ledger Wins

Kline: He left 'original and enduring legacy'

(NEWSER) - The most emotional moments at last night's Oscars occurred when Heath Ledger's parents and sister accepted his posthumous award for best supporting actor. Ledger's family said the honor for the actor's portrayal of the Joker—which Kevin Kline hailed as "menacing, mercurial, droll and diabolical"—will be held in trust for his daughter, Matilda. More»

Still-grieving kin celebrate Joker nomination

(NEWSER) - Heath Ledger's three sisters are still struggling with the loss of their brother, but they are grateful for the legacy he left behind, they tell the Sydney Morning Herald. His death a year ago "seems like nearly yesterday, and we are all nursing broken hearts," said sis Kate, speaking on the same beach where Ledger's wake was held. But Ledger's Oscar nomination yesterday is cause for joy rather than sorrow, she added. More»

(NEWSER) - Warner Bros. is tiptoeing around the possible Oscar nomination for Heath Ledger, the late star of Dark Knight, writes Rachel Abramowitz in the Los Angeles Times. Hollywood insiders contend that a nod for Ledger is almost certain, but the studio must tread the line between boosting his chances and exploiting popular sympathy for the actor. The company line is that it is promoting all the film's actors equally. More»

'Pretty good actor who did away with himself' doesn't deserve award

(NEWSER) - It’s time to put an end to the inane campaign to give Heath Ledger an Oscar for The Dark Knight, writes Eric Lucas in the LA Times. Ledger’s much-fawned-over performance “ultimately devolves into a can-can dance of snuffling pseudo-psychopathia,” Lucas writes. “It has all the subtlety of a hangover—exactly what I'd expect from someone who headed home every night to a pill party.” More»

Girlfriend claims daughter hasn't received any cut

(NEWSER) - Heath Ledger’s ex-girlfriend Michelle Williams is livid at the exclusion of her and her daughter from the execution of Ledger’s will, the NY Post reports. Ledger’s will, which leaves everything to his parents and sisters, predates the birth of their daughter Matilda—who is now the legal beneficiary of his estate and has yet to see a cent, according to Williams. More»