Posthumous Oscar Buzz for Heath Ledger

Will The Joker earn Heath Ledger an Academy Award?

Heath Ledger is getting early Oscar buzz for his role as The Joker in The Dark Knight. Oscar buzz for a mid summer release is rare. Oscar buzz for playing a role that has already been established by an Oscar winning actor has never been heard of. An Oscar nomination for acting in a superhero movie is unlikely. The question is whether he actually deserves an Academy Award nomination for his performance or will he simply get one out of sentiment?

Although only a few screeners have been seen and reported on, the reviews are good. Actor/director Kevin Smith wrote on his blog after seeing The Dark Knight, “...he’ll likely get at least an Oscar nod (if not the win) for best supporting actor.”

In March, The Dark Knight director, Christopher Nolan, told The New York Times that Ledger’s Joker is “..going to just blow people away.” Christian Bale, who plays The Joker’s nemesis Batman, said, “I do think that Heath has created an iconic villain that will stand for the ages, and of course, I would love to see him get an award.” Gary Oldman, who plays police officer Jim Gordon, said, "It's an Oscar worthy performance."

Although earning an Oscar nomination for a superhero movie is unlikely, earning a posthumous Oscar nomination is not. As noted in a January 25, 2008 blog on filmjabber, “Heath Ledger is dead. Let’s face it - the emotional vote is in his favor.” James Dean received two Academy Award nominations after his death, for 1955's East of Eden and 1956's Giant. The only actor to actually win an Academy Award after his death was Peter Finch for 1976's Network.

Ledger may very well do an Oscar worthy performance in The Dark Knight, however, his death will always question any nomination or win he receives. Henry Fonda won his one and only Oscar for On Golden Pond (1981) as he lay dying in the hospital. Spencer Tracy was nominated for his final film, Guess Who's Coming For Dinner in 1967 after his death. Was sentimentality on the voters mind as they cast their ballots? Probably, but that does not mean either of these Hollywood legends did not deserve their recognition for amazingly poignant performances.

The Academy Award nominations will be announced January 22. It will also mark the one year anniversary of Ledger’s death. It will likely be the most anticipated announced, or ignored, name on the list.