Heath Ledger's family paid a teary tribute to the Aussie actor in accepting an AFI award on behalf of his "precious Matilda".Ledger was posthumously given the Australian Film Institute's international award for Best Actor for his virtuoso performance as the Joker in The Dark Knight.
"It was this swaggering, psychopathic clown that turned his career into a legacy and the name Heath Ledger into an ongoing inspiration to actors everywhere," the AFI said at the glittering awards ceremony on Saturday night.
"He was the untamed spirit many of us wish we could be. May the legend live on."
His father Kim, mother Sally and sister Kate accepted the award from actor Michael Caton, receiving a standing ovation from the A-list film and television crowd in Melbourne's Princess Theatre.
"It's been without a doubt the most difficult year, losing such a loved family member," said Kate Ledger, fighting back tears.
"We are so proud of him and humbly accept this award on behalf of his beautiful daughter, who we will cherish forever."
Sally Ledger thanked the AFI for the tribute to her son.
"We are immensely proud of him, not only for his professional achievements but in the way he truly cherished his family, friends and his precious Matilda," she said.
"Heath was never one to accept mediocrity, he put his heart and soul into achieving what he believed was required and followed his passions with great enthusiasm and an insatiable curiosity.
"He did achieve internationally. However, Heath also believed in the Australian film industry and loved any chance to be back home and working with an Aussie cast and crew."
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