Ledger's family reveals what gives them joy amid sorrow

Heath Ledger's family has said that they were 'proud and excited' by his posthumous Academy Award nomination, but admitted that there's sorrow caused by the late actor's untimely death.

The Brokeback Mountain star has been nominated for an Academy Award for his role in The Dark Knight - exactly a year after his tragic death.

He died due to a prescription-drug overdose at his New York apartment on 22 January (08), shortly after completing filming of the Batman blockbuster.

Ledger's sisters Ashleigh, Olivia and Kate, read a prepared statement to the media at Perth's Cottesloe Beach.

Ashleigh said that the death anniversary 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," The Daily Telegraph quoted Ashleigh, as saying.

"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'," Ashleigh added.

Kate said: "We feel truly blessed to have Heath's beautiful daughter, Matilda and her lovely mum Michelle in our lives ...

"Michelle is doing an amazing job with 'our girl' and together we will cherish every moment of her steps through life," she added.

The family also thanked the Motion Picture Academy for recognising Ledger's work.