Heath Ledger's family have told of their enduring grief, a year on from the star's untimely death, as his peers honoured him with an Oscar nomination for his greatest role.
Ledger's Perth-based family marked the first anniversary of the actor's death on Friday with a quiet lunch overlooking Cottesloe, the beach where the actor loved to surf.
It was at the same spot last year that Ledger's family and closest friends had gathered for a wake, mourning and celebrating a life cut short at 28 by an accidental overdose of prescription drugs.
His former fiancee Michelle Williams was among a group of people who had held hands and shared hugs as they spontaneously splashed in the surf in a playful and emotional sunset farewell.
On Friday, Ledger's three sisters, Kate and Olivia Ledger and Ashleigh Bell, said an entire year has passed since then, but time had not diminished the pain of his loss.
"To us ... it seems like merely yesterday and we are all still nursing broken hearts," Kate said, reading from a prepared statement.
"Like anyone who loses a family member, it has opened our eyes to the intense suffering and painful journey that is death.
"We feel truly blessed to have Heath's beautiful daughter, Matilda and her lovely mum Michelle in our lives ...
"And although we are physically challenged at times by the tyranny of distance, we are always in constant contact and take every opportunity possible to catch up.
"Michelle is doing an amazing job with 'our girl' and together we will cherish every moment of her steps through life."
Ashleigh said Friday was also a day to celebrate the news that Ledger had received a best supporting actor Oscar nomination for his performance as The Joker in The Dark Knight.
"Although we would love to have him here with us we are so
proud and so excited on his behalf," Ashleigh said.
"In Heath's words, he had 'the time of his life' portraying The Joker and said that 'it was the most fun he'd ever had working on a film'.
"On Heath's behalf we thank the Motion Picture Academy for recognising his work.
"What an unbelievable legacy he has left for Matilda and our family.
"We will take this opportunity today to honour his wonderful life and take comfort in knowing Heath will continue to touch future generations through this amazing art form."
His last film, The Imaginarian of Doctor Parnassus, is still in post-production.
Ledger died in his New York apartment.
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Ledger's Perth-based family marked the first anniversary of the actor's death on Friday with a quiet lunch overlooking Cottesloe, the beach where the actor loved to surf.
It was at the same spot last year that Ledger's family and closest friends had gathered for a wake, mourning and celebrating a life cut short at 28 by an accidental overdose of prescription drugs.
His former fiancee Michelle Williams was among a group of people who had held hands and shared hugs as they spontaneously splashed in the surf in a playful and emotional sunset farewell.
On Friday, Ledger's three sisters, Kate and Olivia Ledger and Ashleigh Bell, said an entire year has passed since then, but time had not diminished the pain of his loss.
"To us ... it seems like merely yesterday and we are all still nursing broken hearts," Kate said, reading from a prepared statement.
"Like anyone who loses a family member, it has opened our eyes to the intense suffering and painful journey that is death.
"We feel truly blessed to have Heath's beautiful daughter, Matilda and her lovely mum Michelle in our lives ...
"And although we are physically challenged at times by the tyranny of distance, we are always in constant contact and take every opportunity possible to catch up.
"Michelle is doing an amazing job with 'our girl' and together we will cherish every moment of her steps through life."
Ashleigh said Friday was also a day to celebrate the news that Ledger had received a best supporting actor Oscar nomination for his performance as The Joker in The Dark Knight.
"Although we would love to have him here with us we are so
proud and so excited on his behalf," Ashleigh said.
"In Heath's words, he had 'the time of his life' portraying The Joker and said that 'it was the most fun he'd ever had working on a film'.
"On Heath's behalf we thank the Motion Picture Academy for recognising his work.
"What an unbelievable legacy he has left for Matilda and our family.
"We will take this opportunity today to honour his wonderful life and take comfort in knowing Heath will continue to touch future generations through this amazing art form."
His last film, The Imaginarian of Doctor Parnassus, is still in post-production.
Ledger died in his New York apartment.
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