Is 'The Dark Knight's' Heath Ledger doomed at the Oscars?

I think THe dark knight was truly mesmerizing! Heath Ledger did a phanomenal job. He desreves that oscar.! He took someone that was more a spiderman fan inot a batman obseesed girl!I I luv Heathy! He was an incrediable person, so sad that he died. May he rest in peace...

O'Neil, you are an idiot with an indiot's minority complex and are too dumb to understand what art is about, you small pretentious idiot without balls

Guys, the writer of this article isn't saying Ledger doesn't deserve an Oscar. He described his performance as being a "campy" villain, but I don't think he meant that Heath Ledger was being campy (the Joker has been known to be a campy villain in other Batman mediums). It reads as though he rather liked Ledger's performance.

This isn't saying Ledger doesn't deserve the Oscar. It's simply giving reasons why the Academy might not give it to him. Why the Academy might nominate him, but won't really give him one. And I hardly think he's saying it's because Ledger is dead. He spends a lot more time talking about how the Academy doesn't like the role he played. The Academy is on such a snobby run that they don't even connect with audiences anymore.

Outside of Juno did very many people even go off and see the best picture nominees? I'd never even HEARD of "There Will Be Blood" until the nominations were announced. Atonement? What was that? Sure, Independent Film buffs might know about them... but it's unlikely anyone outside of that niche will. Since when was it about making sure popularity couldn't stand a chance? What about just nominating good films for categories? If movies outside of the Independent Niche could be nominated years ago... why not now? Come on, Jaws, Raiders of the Lost Ark, The Fugitive, and Star Wars were all nominated for Best Picture... and they deserved a nod. They were fine films. If these movies came out now... they'd be ignored for either being too popular or making too much money.

Here's what we need to remember.

1.Hollywood and actors are all about fashion and fads: diets, adopted babies, religions, etc. Mr. O'Neil points out that last year two blood-thirsty characters won. This year it will be out of style.

2. Hollywood and actors can't get past their absurd notion of "character acting." I know what they mean when they say it, but what does that REALLY mean? Forest Gump wasn't a "character?" Ray Charles? Is it the make-up?

How could they possibly consider Ledger's Joker "character" up against such "serious characters" as whatever Leo is doing or Sean is playing. They're "serious actors."

3. The Academy Awards has the same problem as the MLB All-Star game, they just get there in different ways. The All-Star game is pure popularity contest in which players are NOT examined in relation to others. This explains Derek Jeter and Jason Varitek: they have to be there because they're a Yankee and Red Sox (sorry East Coast, it's true). The Oscars are a popularity contest in which ROLES are compared to each other. Taken on it's own, it doesn't matter that Ledger is wearing creepy make-up and scars. He is terrifying. But compared to the serious roles of other stars, he is a comic book character. The end result is a Jeter-like roles being nominated because "they're supposed to" to give the Oscars "credibility."

Call it what they will, they are all character actors, technical definitions aside. As another poster pointed out, the Oscars are detestable. Hollywood took 38 years for a black man to get either 1. get a quality role (not the case) or 2. be recognized for accomplished acting(bing, bing, bing, winner!). It also took time to turn Martin Scorsese into Susan Lucci. And now they are going to deny a man the award because he's dead? Nice. Classy. Oscar.

I thinkt that Heath Ledger, NO MATTER WHAT TYPE OF FILM GETS NOMINATED BY THE ACADEMY should get the boest actor because #1. He was acting, and #2. He did the best job of it this year than I have ever seen anyone even try to act...Especially since this type of character waht the total opposite of what and who he was...as his family, and co-workers said. Heath ledger is a great actor, I knew that for sure, before. That performance in this film proved I was all-along...right about his acting abilities to make a character seam so real...and haunt one later after thev's seen the film.

Jack Nicolson was good, but you still could tell it was him. He always does good playing pyscos. But, Heath Ledger was so stunning, so different. This was a performance for a great actor. Because of many politics, favors Oscars always have, people don't really care about it anymore anyway. James Dean, Marilyn Monroe defined Hollywood and now Heath ledger regardless of what Oscar says.

To Sean Murray:
See a shrink..!!

Heath Ledger played the role like nobody would ever do. I think he does deserve the Oscar, not out of sympathy, but out original talent.

You cant compare Jack and Heath's roles as The Joker. Recent Batman movies have been somewhat childish... good movies, but definately have no reality base to them. Jack played his role perfect for the type of movie it was meant to be. In "The Dark Knight", the director was aiming to make the movie have a strong base in reality... at least as real as a man in make up and another dressed like a bat can be... not to mention the guy missing half his face. So for this type of movie, Heath does an amazing job... it doesnt matter how hard I looked, or listened... I could not tell that it was Heath Ledger.

It is rare to see an actor BECOME his role on film. Most movies you see, its the actor playing this guy or that girl. But on the rare occassion you get a performance that is absolutely stunning. I believe that Heath Ledger absolutely deserves a nomination for Best Actor in a Lead Role. Not only that, he should win unless someone else delivers an even more memorable performance this year... not likely, but possible.

I dont think someone deserves a prestigious award like an Oscar just because they died. A tribute at the oscars... yes. Some sort of achievement award... sure. An Oscar for dieing... no. But I think Heath would have won the Oscar if he was alive, so I believe he deserves it now that he is gone.

Thanks for giving me one of the greatest performances I have ever seen Heath. I will never forget you for it.

ok there something i wanna get straight here. i dont wanna sounfd like one of those people who saw the movie just for Heath, cuz' for me that was not the case,BUT. Heath did make the movie what it was. It wouldnt had as much action, and excitement, without him. The others and actresses did good to, but he should get an oscar bacause he did carry that movie.

anyone who saw the dark khight like myself would know that Heath should definetly get an oscar or maybe even a few for his great job in the Dark Knight. I have known and loved Heath for a long time, always been a huge fan, and when he died i was so mad and sad. But thats beyond the point here im sayin anyone who actually saw the movie knows that he did a great job. Jack no offense SUCKED when he did the joker. And when i went to see the Dark Knight, i felt like the joker that you pictured when you read the comics was right there in front of you. Everything that he said was so witty, and the things that he did. He played the part of the joker well, and i dont care what anyone says, he should get an oscar. Because you know that he would have got one if he was alive. He worked extremly hard on that movie. So why would it matter if he was dead or if he was alive? nobody wanted Heath to die, hes HOT and extremly talented, but if there was a movie that he could have went out with, this was the one, he went out with a BANG! i have faith in him that he will win an award for his role. Plus all the other movies so far this year have been sucking and i dont really see anyome else taking that award away from him. Beg to differ? then SUCK IT!

Tom, your analysis ignores the crucial fact that when James Dean and Spencer Tracy died the world (and I'll include the Academy as being part of the world, even though i have my doubts) wasn’t full of morons who think that dying young/suddenly or getting some disease automatically elevates you to saintly status and makes people think you were 50 times more talented than you actually were/are (ladies and gentleman, Robert Urich and Ann Jillian!)

That phenomenon will be multiplied umpteen times in the case of Heath Ledger, because he was already “moody” and “brooding”, but now everyone thinks he was some sort of tortured artist instead of an idiot who couldn’t even take PRESCRIPTION drugs correctly, and the role of the Joker was obviously a look into the darkness of his soul.

Bet the house on Heath.

WOW, call me an idiot, say I lived under a rock for the last 12 months, I had no idea he was dead!!!! man I felt like an idiot at the movie theater, when the end of the movie hit, I was like "hell yeah dude, the joker didnt die, hell be in the next batman movie" and all my friends gave me this look like I was fuckin' crazy. I know, see Im a manicly depressed person, I useally* sleep from 7-8am to 9-10pm, and never leave my house let alone to go see a movie, and I would have never gone to see the movie if my best friend and cousin hadnt kidnapped me from my house to see it. and I have to say after they told me he was dead I was completely in shock, it totaly pissed me off. I liked the joker a hell of alot more in the "Dark Knight" than I did batman, I mean he was so sick and twisted, yet totaly wicked and cool, he was my darkest dream and my best joke roled into one and the performance left me in awe, well fastforward to right now and I find out that thers a debate on him getting an oscar, and I say this, FUCK YEAH< GIVE IT TO HIM. I only wish that Heath was alive to do another infamous role as the joker.

~the man without a life

i can't believe that you'd call the performance campy. it was not tongue-in-cheek. it was not ironic. ledger's joker was nihlistic, insane, sociopathic, and terrifying. weren't you all about sweeney todd last year? that's campy and cartoonish. ledger's joker was reminiscent of real-life sociopaths and brought to my mind de niro in taxi driver, nicholson in the shining, and a clockwork orange.

I really didn't know much about ledger except about all the talk about "brokeback mountain" and still i never had the chance to watch it. I don't really like Batman movies. BUT with the commercials and all the hype about the movie something just intrigued me to go. I kept repeating i have to go. "it looks really good from it's pre-reviews ans so on" When Heath passed away something intrigued me to learn more about him and so i followed up with his death months after. I looked at all the movies he's made and played a role in and i actually remember almost all of them i say to myself "OOOO that was him" "what a loss to Hollywood" On openin day i went to watch the film not for batman but for the joker that everyone was talking about... I couldn't believe how GREAT the movie itslef was but HEATH HE JUST TOTALLY MADE ALL THAT MUCH A GREAT FILM!!!!! he was amazing in this film. He played different characteristics from going to being scary comical and sarcastic.... I really feel sad because i can not believe sucha a great star has fallen but i know he won't be gone because he will live through his movies and his daughter, Matilda, whom he loved very much. HEATH LEDGER YOU WERE AWSUM AND WHETHER YOU HAD BEEN WITH US TODAY OR NOT YOU SOOOOO DESERVE THAT OSCAR BECAUSE YOU WERE UNBELIEVABLY GREAT!!! GOOD JOB HEATH!!!!!! R.I.

I'm surprised not to find a comparison of Ledger and Deep. Both brilliant actors. Both previously robbed of a well-deserving Oscar. If history repeats itself, Ledger will be nominated and fall short of the win. We love them both none the less. We praise and award them with our attention and well wishes.

Ok whoever is writing this is a retard it does not matter what the role is as long as the acting is amazing its true there are not a lot of flashy villains who win or nominated but that is because the drama filled roles have more chances to show more skill full actors but heath as the joker o my I have NEVER SEEN A BETTER PREFORMANCE and I have continued studying drama for 5years now out of university what experience do u have heath ledger all the way!

He should WIN!!!!!
his performance is just amazing!
doesnt matter that he is dead!!!!!!!
what difference does it make?
his family and friends will appreciate the award just as much!!!
the oscars are won for outstanding performances;
and that should be the only justdge!
not whether the person is dead or alive!

Heath Ledger's performance was awesome in a chilling way...even if he didnt pass on I would say the same thing. He deserves an Oscar.

Heath Ledger really put his talent to full blast for me in this flim. I've read on several posts currently a heated debate over whether or no he should run for "best supporting actor" or not. To me, the Joker sold The Black Knight. He did a fantastic job at portraying the joker, he had an incredible way of getting inside your head and making you think. By the end of the movie I was on the edge of my seat, biting my nails, waiting for something else. I say, he is very deserving of an Oscar, and if he doesn't receive one, i will be deeply dissapointed in all of films' fans.

HEATH LEDGER - BEST ACTOR OF ALL TIME HANDS DOWN

Ugh, see this is why I have come to detest the Oscars year after year. It seems that, with the exception ofReturn of the King, the Oscar has suddenly become about how snooty the Academy can be by finding and recognizing the most obscure films that get played on 500 screens and at the film festivals attended by the Hollywood elite. Truly outstanding mainstream flicks like "Dark Knight" and "Wall-E" automatically get the upturned nose from Academy fanboys simply because of superficial things like the fact that one is a "campy popcorn flick" or that no animated film has been nominated for Best Pic since "Beauty and the Beast". Everything nominated for the Big 5 at last year's Oscars were dark indie-ish flicks that the general public just did not care about, which is why I cheered loudly for every "Juno" nomination of the night. Regarding Ledger's performance, as someone else stated, during the film, Ledger was alive for me, and it was only as the end credits rolled that I reflected upon his death. This movie was destined for greatness and maybe even the record breaking weekend whether or not Ledger had died.

So I guess we'll just have to wait and see if either the Academy decides to turn down their noses and acknowledge two of the biggest masterpieces of the year, or if I, along with $155 mil worth of other movie goers, will just have to sit back and relish in our own thoughts on the greatness that emerged this summer.

Wow. A lot of the fans here don't read very well. Tom isn't passing judgment on Heath, but trying objectively to appraise his chances, given history. When Tom refers to cartoony and campish villains, he's not putting down Heath or the movie, for crying out loud. He's anticipating that Academy voters will lump this performance in with other screen-chewing villains (like Hannibal Lector), and they don't tend to reward those enough. That's because a lot of voters tend to see these films as not very serious, campy, popcorn flicks. You might not see them that way. Tom might not see them that way. But Tom's absolutely correct that many OTHER people do. He's saying the type of role this was, and the genre in question, might hurt Heath's chances at Oscars. He's NOT saying that Heath doesn't deserve one. He's NOT putting down the performance. Reading the comments from fans is frustrating and depressing. What ever happened to reading comprehension? Put down those joysticks and pick up some books, guys. You clearly need the practice.

Yes, i totally disagree with the label, "Campy" or "Cartoonish" villain. Sure they're were some funny moments most people would expect if they had read the comics or seen previous Batman movies, but i do agree, this joker has been stepped up and is more of a darker person then any o the previous jokers.

did u just call joker a cartoonish campy villain?! who ever wrote this is an idiot!!!! i may not be a die hard heath ledger fan, but common he gave the best performance that is legendary of the century! no one could ever pull off this role like him, he's a genius of how he played the joker!!!! i say give him the award man, he maybe dead but that doesn't mean u can't give him the Oscar! he deserves this award! if he ain't, i will really be pissed man!

This film, although based on a comin is a good movie and NOT at all like others of its kind which hopefully causes a change in how directors and writers approach these kind of projects (comic based). Ledgers, performance was top notch and reminds me of Daniel Day Lewis' Oscar winning performance in There Will Be Blood. WE SHOULD TRY TO IGNORE THE FACT THAT LEDGER HAS UNFORTUNATELY PASSED AND FOCUS SOLELY ON HIS PERFORMANCE. Personally I think he was incredible. The film itself (screewnwrite and direction) deserves more attention. This is what directors, actors and screenwriters alike should aim to accomplish in every movie. Ledgers performance as the Joker was infectious without a doubt...Im going to see the film again....and maybe a third time.

I'm sorry, but the fact is, this movie WAS amazing, and was definately Heath's most amazing film, and it is sad that it will be his last one, but still, I don't think the reason for all the oscar talk is that he's dead, it's because the character he portrayed was unlike anything people expected, it was amazing to say the least.. And I do see him winning the award, the part he played could not have been played better, he did it perfect. If he doesn't win, I will have lost faith in everyone else's judgement.

johnc, he finished filming the movie, then died, so NO you can't tell which parts weren't played by him. They were ALL played by him

Stating campy or cartoony villian role in regards to this movie, did you even watch it. Do you have the same comments for the other batman movies, they were a little more cartoonish. This batman goes down a darker road...

Sloppy, sloppy, Tom. "East of Eden" was James Dean's first starring role and the only one of the big three movies to be released before his death. That was his first nomination. "Giant" was his last movie, released a year after his death. His Oscar nomination for that came closer to a year and a half after his demise.

I saw the movie yesterday--it was great; BUT after Heath Ledger died, didn't they have to get some other actors to finish the role? You can actually tell while watching the movie, I think.

I can't believe people actually think that a person's death has an influence on ones ability to be engaged by a film. I am not a die hard fan of Heaths and was totally enthralled by his performance. I think if I were to be influenced by the tragedy that happened I would be watching the film with sadness everytime Heath came on the screen. He was very much alive while I was watching this film. I did not once think of the tragic circumstances until the movie was over. I believe other movie goers are able to differentiate between an outstanding Academy Award winning performance and a pitying show of support.

Whoever wrote this is either an idiot, or did not see the mover, or both. Calling this a campy or cartoony villian role in a popcorn flick may be the dumbest thing ever said about any movie ever.

James Dean was nominated for Giant when he was barely on the screen. It's somewhat of a consensus that had he been nominated for Best Supporting Actor (as opposed to Best Lead Actor), he would have won. I hope the makers of The Dark Knight don't submit his name for Best Actor consideration as opposed to Best Supporting Actor because that will basically erase any chances he has at an Oscar.

I too think Heath wouldn't have cared.. he would have also graciously thanked everyone for the award (if it were someone else) and probably dedicated it to the one that had died.

It does not matter who the award goes to, he will be remembered for his great movies (which is what he wanted... to take it to the grave).

I really couldn't tell you if I think the role was better played because he is a dead and i will miss him, or if it really was better. I don't think ANYONE (unless they don't know of his death) would be right in their mind to judge his performance.

I also don't know if his Brokeback Mountain was better because it was controversial and gay oriented or if everyone liked it because it really was good. (I think the only people that can judge that one are the people who were never told that gayness was wrong.. and really, how many people is that?) {before you start bashing me.. I LOVED the movie, but I loved heath and jake and all the man-love in the world}

So... there's no point in argueing, people will have their beliefs and beliefs are the hardest to change.

There has been a lot of buzz around Heath Ledger’s performance as the Joker and therefore, very high expectations. Well, there seems to be a very strong consensus: he delivered the goods and more. In every one of his scenes, he is simply electrifying! I think that a big part of the success of the film is largely due to on his exceptional performance. The Joker might not have the longest screen time, but he is absolutely central to the entire movie, so I could easily see a nomination for Best Actor. In any case, it will be the “most talked about” performance by an actor this year for sure.

Here is a quote from Liam Lacey’s review of The Dark Knight in the Globe & Mail, Canada's largest-circulation national newspaper:

“The triumph of the movie is the performance of Heath Ledger, who might posthumously get the Oscar here he deserved for Brokeback Mountain.”

Heath disappeared and a psycho came alive. Unlike Nicholson, Heath melted into the character and there was no longer Heath Ledger; this is a legendary Joker. In contrast, Jack was still Jack playing Joker. Hence if Jack got nominated, Heath should win an Oscar because simply said, He EARNED IT!

Slam dunk for Beast Actor in a Leading Role. What planet are all of you on? That was a riveting performance. Genre? Puhleeze. His death? Puhleeze. This is not sentimental. This is a tremendous performance, period.

I will say this: I always get a gut feeling when I watch certain films that are up for Oscar consideration. And I definitely felt it watching Heath's performance. It went beyond my expectations. I thought his nomination for "Brokeback Mountain" was well deserved but I felt no sense of him "deserving" to be nominated posthumous for the end of what would have been an amazing career. But after watching "The Dark Knight" I can honestly admit that he is worthy of any accolades he may receive during this awards cycle. I must also mention consideration for Christopher Nolan for Best Director. After receiving a DGA nomination and yet not being nominated at the Academy Awards (for "Memento"), the Director's Branch may want to award Nolan with a nomination considering the critical and soon-to-be commercial success of “The Dark Knight”. Many have already herald this as the greatest super-hero movie made in recent history surpassing the high marks of "Spider-Man II" and "Iron Man" (the most critically acclaimed "super-hero" movies up to this time). I wouldn’t underestimate this film in terms of award consideration.

Given the rave reviews and the Oscar telecast ratings plummet of last year, they would have to be bat-s*** not to throw nominations at this film.

I think Heath's performance in "The Dark Knight" is enough to win the Oscar. Also, add the fact that he lost for "Brokeback Mountain", and it only increases his chances.

Who's campy??

Did you see this film?

There was Oscar buzz over Heath's work in The Dark Knight before he died, it was NOT a byproduct of his death.

"

Sorry, I’ll be the 1st to say the Ledger is only getting all this attention because he is dead. Prior to his OD, they were showing small parts of Batman, but nothing was being said that would make him worthy. As soon as he had his drug OD, they made him the King of this movie.

If he were alive, this movie would be just another Batman movie."

I find this comment horrible. 6 months ago they weren't even finished editing the film! Of course they weren't showing alot of footage and they weren't showing alot of Heath as The Joker because it was still very hush hush. If Heath was still alive, he would be getting Oscar buzz. The performance is amazing! Why not see the movie before you start to make comments!

This is NOT a campy role you moron!

Heath will get his first posthumous award in his home country, The Chauvel ,at the upcoming Brisbane International Film Festival. It is one of the highest awards bestowed on Austalian actors. He will also get a multi million dollar performing arts centre named after him along with memorabilia his family will donate in his home town of Perth where I live. There is also a local scholarship in his name for young actors.Miss you everyday, Heath.

Wait, but maybe... I don't think... but it's true that... [pointless editorial] on the one hand... and then the other... so you can't be sure...

Heath Ledger deserves the nomination and to win not because of his passing because he truly did play an incredible role as the Joker. I watched The Dark Knight this evening and both my partner and I agreed that he caused much more of an impact in us than Jack Nicholson originally did as the Joker. He portrayed his role to the max... and, in my opinion, was one of the top focuses that made the movie the greateness that it turned out to be. I will be disappointed if he doesn't win but much more if he isn't even nominated...

Campy? I was intrigued by your arguments until you used the word "campy" to describe such an angry, gritty (and comparatively subtle) performance in a film that goes to great lengths to avoid any notion of camp. And to compare Ledger's Joker to Pacino's Big Boy Caprice is just plain misguided/misinformed. Sure, they're both villains, but the tone -- and the performances -- are completely, 100% different. Furthermore, the poster that mentioned Depp hit the nail on the head. Ledger's Joker has a lot more gravity than Depp's pirate character. Likewise, Day-Lewis was miles over-the-top compared to ledger.

Three letters that have changed the Oscar game: DVD

I have to disagree. The "campiness" factor didn't hurt Javier Bardem and Daniel Day Lewis when they won last year and their performances were just as "campy" as Ledger's Joker.

Also, The Dark Knight is getting some of the best reviews of the year and has ambitions beyond being a popcorn comic book movie. In an ideal Oscar environment that took summer movies as seriously as winter art house fare, The Dark Knight would be a front runner for Best Picture, Director among others.

A factor that maybe you're overlooking - none of the previous posthumous noms were in the Age of Media Spin. The tabloid juggernaut can and will make a difference this time. I think Ledger will be nommed and will win. Voters won't be able to resist making it into a memorable moment. The fact that his Brokeback performance looks even better in retrospect will also propel him to the win.

Heath Ledger is the best thing ever happen to hollywood....
He was a star in life and on screen.
He was smart, kind, brilliant, confident,extremely talented and fearless.
I miss him dearly.
I wish he will win,and very much hope so.
Thank you for everything you did Heath.
Your friend
T.

there is no room for comparison between jack's joker and ledgers. ledgers joker was a serious twisted and sinister charicter. opening up the reality of the crazed murderous psycopath in a way jack nicholson never did. nicholsons joker was just that, a joker, unreal and comic. in stark contrast the very real and very frighteningly existable joker ledger created.

i think its sad that you are the man with the pen. if you aspire to criticise the work of artist, first you have have to be able to apriciate art in whatever form it takes.

It's true that the normal odds are against Heath Ledger and "The Dark Knight" in general...but I saw it last night, and "The Dark Knight" is ANYTHING but normal--the whole experience, particularily Heath Ledger's preformance, is unlike anything we've ever seen before. It'll almost-definately be nominated, and may or may not win (it should), but you can't use the standards set by Spencer Tracy being another Spencer Tracy character in a typical (and not very good) Spencer Tracy movie and use them to predict something as fantastically unusual and wild as Heath Ledger as The Joker.

Historical error, Tom.

Rod Steiger was the favorite to win best actor in 1967, not Tracy,

Tracy was certainly a contender, but Steiger had won the three precursors - NYFC, NSFC, GG. He was in the best picture favorite. And he was seen as due after being upset two years earlier (by Lee Marvin over his Pawnbroker performance).

I agree that it's unlikely he'll win, but it is worth noting that this was a superb performance that deserves recognition in some form.

Campy villain roles in popcorn flicks? Did you even see the trailer?

I have to disagree. If this were a drama and the performance turned in for this genre was the performance for that drama, there would be NO dispute. This was a brilliant and complete interpretation of a sociopath and invokes one to recall both Charles Manson of real life and Alex of A Clockwork Orange. He is engaging, terrifying, and complete. As a body of work up for consideration, the ONLY hesitancy is the genre of film the performance is contained in. The immediate consideration are the scenes with the hospital, and the interrogation room. If you just consider those alone, you have a far superior performance than past winners have ever turned in or ever will turn in.

If Johnny Depp can be Oscar nominated for a movie based on a disney theme park ride then Heath Ledger is a cert.

Tom I'm hoping you are writing this just to create drama, because after you've seen the performance, the idea that anyone else but him will win is out of the question.

Sorry, I’ll be the 1st to say the Ledger is only getting all this attention because he is dead. Prior to his OD, they were showing small parts of Batman, but nothing was being said that would make him worthy. As soon as he had his drug OD, they made him the King of this movie.

If he were alive, this movie would be just another Batman movie.

"Campy role" "Popcorn movie"? Did you even see the movie or the performance?

Despite the expectations one might have for the "Batman" franchise, this was actually the darkest, most dramatic and best acted picture I've seen this year. Heath's performance, and the character that was written for him, were far from campy in any sense of the word.

I think that the academy has the good sense to judge a performance on it's own merit rather than by presuppositions based on the "type" of movie it is.

If he doesn't win then I'm through watching the Oscars! Last year some idiot won for being a serial killer. You are a sh*tty writer btw and you are mindless.

I believe that James Dean was FIRST nominated for "East of Eden" and then the next year for "Giant".

You're kidding right about insinuating Ledger's joker is a "campy villain role in a popcorn flick like Dark Knight." Have you even seen the film? Ledger's Joker is not campy at all - he's downright vicious, anarchic, and scary, a force of chaos with a demented Truman Capote-esque voice to boot. Nicholson's Joker has nothing on this portrayal - it's more apt to compare this iteration of Joker to Hannibal Lecter, Alex from Clockwork Orange, and Sid Vicious.

As he and the movie have been enthusiastically embraced by critics and the public alike (I watched a midnight showing in a jam-packed theatre in which we had to sit 3 hours before showtime without a/c, a no-no in the desert), right now, I don't see how Ledger can not at least score a nomination. We'll see what happens during the precursors, but I'm pretty sure he'll rack up critics awards and guild nominations come the end of the year.

I don't see what the big deal is with the oscar "buzz". I doubt that it would have really mattered to Heath one way or another. Heath was an actor for the enjoyment of the craft and as a way to escape the reality of the "real world". Not to mention a few years back when Eminem won an oscar for his song for 8mile. A rap song being nominated and none the less winning. My point being anything can happen even Heath winning an oscar for the joker :)

If Javier Bardem can win for a far less superior performance as a villain, then Ledger could definitely be nominated. Popcorn movie or not, it was excellent. He was excellent. He should have won for Brokeback Mountain, so here's hoping the Academy makes up for that mistake now!

I have to disagree with you Tom, I think that what will keep Ledger in the minds of voters is the remorse of not only losing this great gift far to young....but also regret over not awarding him best actor when he truly deserved it....this will be their way to honor his work and make themselves feel better in the process.....