Heath Ledger makes history

 

Just because it wasn't a surprise doesn't make it any less historic or emotional. 

Heath Ledger has become only the second actor to receive a posthumous Oscar, for his daring performance as the sociopathic arch-villain The Joker in "The Dark Knight."

His family -- father, mother and sister -- accepted the best supporting actor trophy "on behalf of his beautiful Matilda," his 3-year-old daughter with former love Michelle Williams. Matilda will inherit the Little Gold Man when she turns 18.

"It would've humbly validated Heath's quiet determination to be accepted by all you here, his peers, in an industry he so loved," said his dad, Kim Ledger.

And as a reminder to a room full of Hollywood stars and perhaps a lot of viewers tearing up, Ledger's mother said, "We are choosing to celebrate and be happy for what he has achieved." In other words, this isn't a funeral, it's a wake.

Lovely. Simply lovely.