Heath Ledger wins and Oscar in 2009..

The winner for Best Supporting Actor goes to Heath Ledger for 'The Dark Knight'! Collecting the award on his behalf is his father, mother and sister.

A moving speech from Heath's family as his parents speak of celebrating, and his sister accepts the award on behalf of his daughter Matilda.

Actor in a Supporting Role

Heath Ledger
THE DARK KNIGHT

NOMINATED ROLE
Heath Ledger portrays the Joker, a psychopathic criminal mastermind who will stop at nothing in his scheme to outwit and humiliate Batman.
ACADEMY AWARDS HISTORY
This is the second Academy Award nomination for Heath Ledger. He was previously nominated for:

BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN (2005) Nominee, Actor in a Leading Role

ACCEPTANCE SPEECH
Kim Ledger:
First of all, I have to say this is ever so humbling. Just being amongst such wonderful people, such a wonderful industry. Firstly, I'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've humbly validated Heath's quiet determination to be truly accepted by you all here, his peers, within an industry he so loved. Thank you.

Sally Bell:
Heath was such a compassionate and generous soul who added so much excitement and inspiration to our lives. We have been truly overwhelmed by the honor and respect being bestowed upon him with this award. Tonight, we are choosing to celebrate and be happy for what he has achieved.

Kate Ledger:
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. We really wish you were, but we proudly accept this award on behalf of your beautiful Matilda. Thank you.

click here to read all Oscars 2009 live blog