Ledger's dad: 'Oscar is humbling'

Heath Ledger's father has revealed that accepting the best supporting actor Oscar on behalf of his late son was a "humbling" experience.

Along with Heath's mother Sally Bell and his older sister Kate, Kim Ledger accepted the award for his son's performance in The Dark Knight.

He said: "First of all, I have to say this is ever so humbling. Just being among such wonderful people, such a wonderful industry.

"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 described her son as "compassionate and generous soul", while Kate added that the family would "proudly accept this award on behalf of your beautiful Matilda", referring to the actor's three-year-old daughter.

Last week, Kim revealed that he was not taking Heath's victory for granted as no-one can ever expect to win an Oscar.