Friends and colleagues of Heath Ledger paid an emotional tribute to the tragic star after winning an award for one of his last films. The director and cast of Bob Dylan homage 'I'm Not There' dedicated the honor to Heath at the Film Independent's Spirit Awards.
They went up on stage together to pick up the Robert Altman Award, given to a director, casting director and ensemble cast. And they told how desperately they miss talented Heath, who died last month from an accidental drug overdose.
Stars including Cate Blanchett looked on as director Todd Haynes saluted Heath, who played seducer Robbie Clark in the movie.
Haynes said: "Honouring this amazing ensemble today is so bittersweet given how shattered we are by Heath's inconceivable absence.
"We all loved him so dearly.
"He really was unlike anybody I have ever known, giving of himself less like an actor than a creative partner on the film as a whole.
"Far beyond his startling depth and sensitivity on screen, Heath was already an astounding film-maker in his own right and the creator of some of the most exquisite and diverse music videos I have ever seen.
"I know our film, the way it was made, was very close to his own artistic sensibilities and ambitions.
"In fact he had just started circulating a future script that he was planning to direct, an adaptation of 'The Queen's Gambit' by Walter Tevis.
"I have no doubt he would have made an astounding director.
"When I'm not looking bitterly or perhaps selfishly at the future of cinema without him, I treasure the time we shared on this film and the love and talent he gave so freely.
"I know I speak for everyone honoured today in accepting this award in memory of the dazzling and creative spirit of Heath Ledger."
Blanchett also dedicated her Best Supporting Female award for the film to Heath. She described him as "probably one of the most beautiful spirits of all", and added: "This is for him."
By Iain Burchell, Feb 24 2008 © Copyright 2008 - Showbiz Spy
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