Heath Ledger’s career, though tragically brief, made a profound impact on film and popular culture. His commitment to challenging himself, his emotional honesty, and his creative boldness earned him critical acclaim, the admiration of fellow actors, and the deep appreciation of audiences around the world. Below is a collection of his most significant awards and nominations, along with honors he received during his life and posthumously.

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Academy Awards (Oscars)

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2009 – Best Supporting Actor

Winner for his role as the Joker in The Dark Knight

• This posthumous win stands as one of the most celebrated moments in Oscar history. Ledger’s performance was recognized for its originality, intensity, and cultural impact.

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2006 – Best Actor

Nominated for his role as Ennis Del Mar in Brokeback Mountain

• His subtle, deeply moving performance earned widespread praise and marked a major milestone in his career.

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Golden Globe Awards

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2009 – Best Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture

Winner for The Dark Knight

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2006 – Best Actor in a Motion Picture (Drama)

Nominated for Brokeback Mountain

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BAFTA (British Academy Film Awards)

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2009 – Best Supporting Actor

Winner for The Dark Knight

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2006 – Best Actor in a Leading Role

Nominated for Brokeback Mountain

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Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards

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2009 – Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role

Winner for The Dark Knight

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2006 – Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role

Nominated for Brokeback Mountain

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Australian Film Institute (AFI) / AACTA Awards

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Posthumous AFI International Award for Best Actor

Winner for The Dark Knight

• The Australian film community honored Ledger’s contribution to cinema and recognized the artistic significance of his work.

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2006 – AFI Best Actor in a Leading Role

Nominated for Candy

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Critics’ Awards & Festival Honors

Ledger received recognition from critics’ organizations around the world, including:

• The Los Angeles Film Critics Association

• The New York Film Critics Circle

• The Chicago Film Critics Association

• The Broadcast Film Critics Association

• The National Board of Review

Many of these honors celebrated both Brokeback Mountain and The Dark Knight, reflecting the breadth of his talent—from intimate drama to psychological intensity.

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Film Festival Tributes

Following his passing, numerous film festivals around the world have paid tribute to Heath Ledger with screenings, retrospectives, and special events honoring his contribution to modern cinema.

Examples include:

• The Tribeca Film Festival

• The Perth International Film Festival

• Various Australian cultural festivals celebrating his legacy

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Legacy in the Arts

Heath Ledger’s influence extends far beyond awards.

• His portrayal of the Joker is widely regarded as one of the greatest performances in film history.

• Brokeback Mountain remains a landmark film in LGBTQ+ representation and modern American cinema.

• His dedication to independent filmmaking inspired younger actors and directors to pursue unconventional, daring projects.

Several documentaries and published retrospectives continue to explore his life, creative process, and lasting impact.

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