19 seconds ago 2009-11-24T19:42:52-08:00
Heath Ledger and daughter Matilda in New York City on November 17, 2007.Us Magazine
But due to strict rules by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the Oscar won't technically be hers until the 3-year-old turns 18 -- and even then, she must first sign a contract.
See photos of Heath with his daughter, Matilda Rose Ledger.
The academy admits that Ledger's nomination -- for his supporting role as the Joker in Dark Knight -- and daughter's young age has made preparations for his possible posthumous award the most difficult situation they've had to deal with.
"It's complicated, because there are two different questions that have to be answered," Bruce Davis, executive director of the academy, said to The Associated Press. "First, we have to decide who gets the job of accepting the award onstage on the night of the ceremony. And then there's the question of the eventual disposition of the posthumous statuette, which may not stay with the person who accepts it."
Check out photos from Heath's most memorable role as the Joker.
Typically, a posthumous statuette goes to the spouse, but because he and Michelle Williams were never married, it would go to the oldest child.
Because Matilda is too young to sign the winner's agreement -- a contract required of all nominees that says the recipient will not resell his or her Oscar without first offering it back to the academy -- Williams would serve as the legal custodian of the Oscar for the next 15 years, until Matilda turns 18.
Take a look back at the life and work of Heath Ledger.
"At that point, she may execute what we call an heir's agreement and keep the statuette forever -- or, if she chooses not to do that, it will return to us," Davis said.
The person who would accept the award on Ledger's behalf has been kept under wraps by the academy. Traditionally, such an Oscar acceptance would be by a close relative or an artist who was close to the nominee and can speak to the actor's talents. (Costar Gary Oldman , for instance, accepted Ledger's Screen Actors Guild award last month.)
More news from Usmagazine.com
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MargaretHEATH LEDGER IS A WONDERFUL ACTOR .MY HEART GOES OUT TO HIS FAMILY.THE AWARD SHOULD GO TO HIS DAUGHTER AND THE MOTHER OF HIS CHILD.GOD BLESS YOU.report abuseposted February 24, 2009 3:39 AM PST
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BrandyI think that is the most stupied thing i have ever heard. It should go to her no matter what anywaysreport abuseposted February 23, 2009 3:17 PM PST
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Maddie LSHE GOT THE AWARD! : )))report abuseposted February 23, 2009 2:18 PM PST
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Truth SeekerIf Williams accepts the award for Heath, she should be spat on!report abuseposted February 20, 2009 6:13 PM PST
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ElizabethCrazy what a little girl will have to go through just to get some memories of her father, even if it is just a trophie...he was such a great actor! Hope he wins!report abuseposted February 19, 2009 12:07 AM PST
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jazzy gwhom else...report abuseposted February 18, 2009 7:23 PM PST
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pagan30why are they making a 3 yr old sign and all that stuff, hmm is this a clue that he will win? seems like it if there preparing that much stuff, i agree with jody c it's sad that she will only know her dad really by a trohpy and movies, hollywood is crap, i will cry if she goes up there and excepts the award so sad :( R.I.P , 19 movies and batman get's him noticed wow he has been areport abuseposted February 18, 2009 12:28 PM PST
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E CWho knew this was so complicated. I really hope he wins, because in my opinion his performance was simply outstanding. Forget the fact that he passed away, and he still desserves it hands down, in my opinion of course.report abuseposted February 18, 2009 11:18 AM PST
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Veronica M.OH PLEASE OSCAR AWARDS PEOPLE. This isn't some ancient ritual steeped in mysticms. Give it to Michelle Williams, the ACTRESS he had his daughter with. Simple huh? HE NEEDS TO GET THIS AWARD, DEAD OR NOT HE CAPTURED THE SCIZOPHRENIA IN THE JOKER.report abuseposted February 18, 2009 9:53 AM PST
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__A_YAHOO_USER__There is no doubt in my mind Heath will win this oscar, miss you Heathreport abuseposted February 18, 2009 8:33 AM PST
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