Ledger's family celebrates Oscar nod

Heath Ledger’s family could accept an Oscar on his behalf on Sunday after a group of them travelled to Hollywood, according to US reports.

The twelve – Ledger’s parents, stepparents, siblings and cousins – were guests of honour at a party thrown by Australians in Film to recognise Aussie Oscar nominees and introduce the inaugural recipient of the Heath Ledger scholarship last night at the Chateau Marmont.

Scholarship winner Oliver Ackland, who cited Ledger among his role models, was humbled by the honour.

As the 29-year-old actor put it: “The fact that it is in his name means the world.”