One Of Hollywood's Most Emotional Moments Ever Saw Angelina Jolie And Anne Hathaway Break Down In Tears

Summary

• Ledger's phenomenal legacy inspires younger actors like Austin Butler in Dune: Part Two. The impact is immense.
• Emotional Oscar win at 81st Academy Awards touched Hollywood. Angelina Jolie and Anne Hathaway were moved.
• Ledger's family, including his sister, cherishes his memory. Michelle Williams and Matilda stay connected.

Heath Ledger touched so many careers. Christian Bale had internal concerns about Heath Ledger, given how tremendous he was as The Joker. His past work continues to inspire younger actors. Austin Butler revealed how Heath Ledger factored in during his performance in Dune: Part Two, serving as a big inspiration.

In the following, we're going to take a look back at his Oscar win during the 81st Academy Awards. It proved to be one of the most emotional moments in Hollywood history. We're going to take a look back at the speech, and how the likes of Angelina Jolie and Anne Hathaway reacted. We'll also reveal how Christopher Nolan recently mentioned Ledger, and the update Ledger's sister gave a few years ago.

Let's take a closer look.

Angelina Jolie And Anne Hathaway Broke Down During Heath Ledger's Oscar Win

Back in 2008 at the 81st Academy Awards, Hollywood saw one of its most emotional moments as Heath Ledger took home the award for Best Supporting Actor for his role as The Joker in The Dark Knight. Accepting the award on his behalf was his father Kim Ledger, mother Sally Bell, and sister Kate Ledger.

Heath's father started off the speech.

"First of all, I have to say this is ever so humbling just being amongst such wonderful people and such a wonderful industry. Firstly, I'd like to thank the Academy for recognizing our son's amazing work. Warner Bros. and Christopher Nolan in particular for allowing Heath the creative license to develop and explore this crazy "Joker" character.

He continues, "To Steve Alexander, Heath's mentor, special friend and agent for ten years; we love you, Steve. 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."

Ledger's sister Kate wrapped the speech up, leaving everyone in the room emotional, including Ledger's Hollywood peers. Anne Hathaway and Angelina Jolie were among those completely emotional.

Katie said during her brother's acceptance speech, "Heath, we both knew what you had created in the "Joker" was extraordinarily special and had even talked about being here on this very day. We really wish you were, but we proudly accept this award on behalf of your beautiful Matilda. Thank you."

A moment Hollywood won't ever forget. And in fact, Christopher Nolan recently paid homage to his late star during his own award win.

Christopher Nolan Remembered Heath Ledger During His Golden Globe Win For Oppenheimer

Christopher Nolan was long overdue, accepting his first Golden Globe win for Oppenheimer. At the start of his speech, Nolan took the opportunity to remember Heath Ledger.

The director said, "The only time I've ever been on this stage before was accepting one of these on behalf of our dear friend Heath Ledger, and that was complicated and challenging for me."

Nolan continued, "And in the middle of speaking, I glanced up and Robert Downey Jr. caught my eye and gave me a look of love and support — the same look he's giving me now, the same love and support he's shown so many people in our community over so many years. I thought it would be simpler accepting for myself, but as a director, of course, as I stand here, I suddenly realize I can only accept this on behalf of people. As directors, we bring people together and try to get them to give their best."

It was an emotional moment for Nolan and company. Still today, Ledger's legacy lives on.

Heath Ledger's Sister Revealed Their FInal Conversation Was A Positive One

Heath Ledger's sister has been open about their last conversation. Kate recalls her brother being excited about the future, and in a better place.

"He was a really happy person and he had huge plans for his future. I spoke to him the night before and we were laughing and joking."

She continues, "He was so proud of what he had done in Batman. And I know he had plans for another Batman. He loved working with Chris Nolan and Christian Bale and Gary Oldman. He just had the best time ever doing that film."

Ledger's sister gave an update back in 2018, stating she saw Ledger's ex Michelle Williams frequently, along with their child Matilda. Kate added she does her best to keep Heath's memory alive with her own kids.

“Heath is hugely important in the lives of my children,” she shared. “There’s not a day that goes by that we don’t share stories or talk about him. He is very much alive in our house.”

“We keep in constant contact with Michelle and Matilda and visit frequently,” Kate continued. “She is an amazing girl and a source of delight to us all.”

Hollywood is still mourning his loss and that's especially true for his closest friends and family.