Heath ledger gave the performance of a lifetime in The Dark Knight. Tragically, his own life was cut short when he accidentally overdosed in his New York apartment in January of 2008. The entertainment and global community was shocked, having lost one of the greatest performers of our generation.

Heath won the Academy Award a year later for Best Supporting Actor for his masterful turn as the Joker in Knight. His family accepted the award of his behalf, and their words and the energy in the room at the ceremony will bring you to tears.

His mother said they had chosen to celebrate his life and be happy for what Heath had achieved. And that’s as is should have been. If Heath had been present to see all the tear filled eyes, he might has asked, “Why so serious,” just as his character does in the film.

*VOTE to send me to the Oscars.