Late Heath Ledger wins Aussie acting prize

MELBOURNE, Dec. 8 (UPI) -- Late film star Heath Ledger was honored with the international actor prize at the 50th Australian Film Institute Awards in Melbourne during the weekend.

The actor, who posthumously earned rave reviews for his portrayal of the villainous Joker in "The Dark Knight," died early this year at the age of 28 from an accidental prescription drug overdose. His parents and sister were greeted with a standing ovation Saturday when they accepted his acting award in Melbourne, Variety.com said.

Cate Blanchett, Ledger's co-star in "I'm Not There," won the international actress award for her work in "Elizabeth: The Golden Age."

"The Black Balloon" picked up five prizes, including those for best film, script and director. Toni Collette and Luke Ford also took home the awards for supporting actress and actor respectively for their work in the movie.

Peter Duncan's "Unfinished Sky" won the award for adapted screenplay, and its stars William McInnes and Monic Hendrickx earned the lead actor and actress honors.