AceShowbiz -

Being the favorite winner of this year's awards season, late Heath Ledger has collected the top prize for his lunatic performance as Joker in "The Dark Knight" as he is named Best Supporting Actor at the 81st Academy Awards. Accepting the award on his behalf were his father, Kim Ledger, his mother, Sally Bell, and his sister Kate Ledger.

Reading off the list of thank you in a calm voice for the acceptance speech, Kim said receiving the award is "ever-so-humbling". Adding to his speech, Sally who called his son an inspiration stated that the family chose to celebrate what Heath has achieved. Meanwhile, Kate confessed that she wishes her brother to accept the award himself, but added that they humbly accept on behalf of his daughter, Matilda.

Before the Best Supporting Actor was announced, a montage of past winners had been viewed. The montage included five previous winners, Joel Grey for "Cabaret", Christopher Walken for "The Deer Hunter", Kevin Kline for "A Fish Called Wanda", Alan Arkin for "Little Miss Sunshine", and Cuba Gooding Jr. for "Jerry Maguire".

Following the announcement of Best Supporting Actor, winners in Best Documentary categories were unveiled. "Smile Pinki" was hailed as Best Documentary in Short Subjects, whereas "Man on Wire" has won the Best Documentary in Feature Film.