Ledger to get posthumous award

Heath Ledger's contribution to the Australian film industry is to honoured with the 2008 Chauvel Award.

The posthumous award will be made at next month's Brisbane International Film Festival (BIFF), Queensland Arts Minister Rod Welford announced today.

Ledger died in New York from an accidental overdose of prescription drugs in January.

Mr Welford said Ledger's friends and colleagues would be present for the award presentation on August 7.

"Over the years, there have been many others who have drawn focus to the Australian film industry, either through their own personal achievements in their field or their consistent and staunch support for Australian filmmaking," he said.

"Heath Ledger did both, and his passing highlighted how loved and revered he was, not just by fans but by the Australian film-making community."

Previous recipients of the award, named after filmmakers Charles and Elsa Chauvel, include director George Miller and actors Geoffrey Rush, Bryan Brown and Jack Thompson.

Hype is building for Ledger to receive a best supporting actor Oscar nomination following gushing reviews for his performance as the Joker in The Dark Knight, released next week.

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