Heath Ledger's father, mother and sister brought the starstudded Oscars crowd to their feet and reduced many to tears as they accepted the late actor's Best Supporting Actor Oscar.

The late deceased dad Kim said, "This award tonight would have humbly validated Heath's quiet determination to be validated in an industry he loved, by you all here, his peers. " Mom Sandy added, "Heath was such a compassionate and generous soul.

Tonight we are choosing to celebrate and be happy for what he has achieved. "

And Ledger's sister Kate revealed the pair had predicted his portrayal of the Joker would earn him an Oscar statuette, adding, "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 wish you were. But we happily accept this award on behalf of your beautiful (daughter) Matilda. "