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The actor has been named in the best supporting actor category for his role as the Joker in The Dark Knight.
In a statement, his sister Ashleigh said: "Although we would love to have him here with us, we are so proud and so excited on his behalf.
"In Heath's words, he had 'the time of his life', portraying the Joker and said that 'it was the most fun he'd ever had making a film'.
"On Heath's behalf we thank the Motion Picture Academy for recognising his work."
However, his sister Kate admitted that the celebration was bittersweet, as it also marked the first anniversary of the star's death, following an accidental drug overdose.
"To us it seems like merely yesterday and we are still all nursing broken hearts," she said.
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