Heath Ledger's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Heath Ledger. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

Heath Ledger was an Australian actor who gained international recognition for his diverse roles in a relatively short career. Beginning in Australian television, he transitioned to Hollywood in 1998. He starred in films like '10 Things I Hate About You,' 'The Patriot,' and 'A Knight's Tale,' before receiving critical acclaim for his performances in 'Brokeback Mountain' and, posthumously, as the Joker in 'The Dark Knight,' for which he won an Academy Award. Ledger also had aspirations as a director, producing and directing music videos before his untimely death in 2008.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Legacy & Impact

1976: Peter Finch won a posthumous Academy Award

In 1976, Peter Finch won a posthumous Academy Award for acting in "Network".

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2005: Awards for Brokeback Mountain

In 2005, Heath Ledger received 'Best Actor' awards from the New York Film Critics Circle and the San Francisco Film Critics Circle for his performance in "Brokeback Mountain". He was also nominated for a Golden Globe, a Screen Actors Guild Award, a BAFTA Award, and an Academy Award.

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January 2008: Death and Completion of The Dark Knight Role

In January 2008, Heath Ledger completed filming his role as the Joker in "The Dark Knight" shortly before his death. His performance was highly praised and led to posthumous awards.

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February 2008: Posthumous Award for ISP Robert Altman Award

On February 23, 2008, director Todd Haynes praised Ledger upon accepting the ISP Robert Altman Award, which Ledger posthumously shared.

February 2008: Independent Spirit Robert Altman Award

Posthumously, on February 23, 2008, Heath Ledger shared the 2007 Independent Spirit Robert Altman Award with the cast and crew of "I'm Not There".

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July 2008: Release of The Dark Knight

In July 2008, "The Dark Knight" was released, breaking box office records and receiving critical acclaim, especially for Heath Ledger's performance as the Joker. Critics praised Ledger's performance as both sinister and mesmerizing, dispelling speculations that it led to his death.

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November 2008: People's Choice Award Nomination

On November 10, 2008, Heath Ledger was nominated for two People's Choice Awards for his work on "The Dark Knight": "Best Ensemble Cast" and "Best Onscreen Match-Up" (with Christian Bale).

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December 2008: Golden Globe Nomination

On December 11, 2008, Heath Ledger was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor – Motion Picture for his performance as the Joker in "The Dark Knight".

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2008: Nomination prediction for Academy Award

In 2008, film critics, co-stars Maggie Gyllenhaal and Michael Caine, and Ledger's peers predicted and called for a nomination for the 2008 Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in recognition of Ledger's performance in The Dark Knight.

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January 2009: People's Choice Award win

In January 2009, Heath Ledger won a People's Choice Award for "Match-Up" with Christian Bale for their work in "The Dark Knight", at the ceremony aired live on CBS.

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January 2009: Golden Globe Award

On January 11, 2009, Heath Ledger posthumously won the Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor – Motion Picture for his performance as the Joker in "The Dark Knight" at the 66th Golden Globe Awards ceremony on NBC. Christopher Nolan accepted the award on his behalf.

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January 2009: Posthumous Academy Award nomination announced

On January 22, 2009, the anniversary of Heath Ledger's death, Ledger received a posthumous nomination for the 2008 Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.

February 2009: Ledger wins posthumous Academy Award

On February 22, 2009, Heath Ledger posthumously won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. His family attended the ceremony, accepting the award on his behalf. It was later determined that Ledger's daughter, Matilda Rose, would own the award, with Michelle Williams holding it in trust until 2023.

January 2011: Heath Ledger Theatre Opening

In January 2011, the State Theatre Centre of Western Australia in Perth named a 575-seat theatre the Heath Ledger Theatre. For the opening, Ledger's Academy Award and Joker costume were displayed.