The late actor Heath Ledger should have been there.
Father of late Australian actor Heath Ledger, Kim Ledger (C), with his wife Sally Bell (L) and daughter Kate Ledger (R), holds the Oscar he accepted for his son Heath Ledger for Best Supporting Actor in Dark Knight at the 81st Academy Awards 22 February 2009 at the Kodak Theater in Hollywood, California, USA. The Academy Awards honour cinematic excellence in 24 categories. EPA/PAUL BUCK
This was the sentiment shared by so many attending the Academy Awards who worked with and knew the young actor who passed away from an accidental overdose in 2008.
Ledger's family, including his mother, called it a celebration of her son's achievements.
But many fought back tears yesterday as the Australian was awarded the Oscar for best supporting actor.
"The Dark Knight" featured Ledger as the Joker in a tour-de-force performance that took a staid comic book character as he recreated his whole persona, forever ruining anyone elses's interpretation of the arch villain of the Batman series.
Ledger's mother Sally Bell, father, Kim Ledger and sister Kate took to the stage of the Kodak Theatre to accept Heath's award.
"Heath, we both knew what you had created in the Joker was extraordinarily special, and had even talked about being here on this very day," Kate Ledger said. "We really wish you were, but we proudly accept this award on behalf of your beautiful Matilda."
Matilda, Ledger's three-year old daughter with the actress Michelle Williams, will own the gold statue when she turns 18. Until then, Williams will hold it in trust for her.
Williams did not attend the 81st Academy Awards.
Kim Ledger said the Oscar "would have humbly validated Heath's quiet determination to be truly accepted by you all here, his peers within an industry he so loved". Sally Bell said: "Heath was such a compassionate and generous soul who added so much excitement and inspiration to our lives. Tonight we are choosing to celebrate and be happy for what he has achieved."
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