FIRST LEDGER SCHOLARSHIP AWARDED

Last updated: Sunday, February 22, 2009

FIRST LEDGER SCHOLARSHIP AWARDED

The inaugural scholarship established in late actor HEATH LEDGER's name has been awarded to Australian performer OLIVER ACKLAND.

The $10,000 (£7,000) fund, established by Ledger's ex-fiancee Michelle Williams and friends following his death last year (08), was given to Ackland at a party for Australian Oscar nominees at Hollywood's Chateau Marmont Hotel on Friday (20Feb09).

Ackland was hand-picked from a pool of 150 applicants by The Dark Knight star's pals and colleagues, including actress Rachel Griffiths.

In presenting the award, filmmaker Greg Jordan, who directed Ledger in Two Hands, told the crowd: "Rachel Griffiths said 'How do we judge this? Are we looking for the next Heath Ledger?'

"We all said 'No. There is no next Heath Ledger, but there's plenty of other people.'"

And for rising star Ackland, 29, the prize was especially meaningful - Ledger has always been one of his role models.

He said: "The fact that it is in his name means the world. I admired Heath and I admired the work that he chose, the path he created for himself. It shows a lot of integrity on his behalf."

Australian stars Nicole Kidman, Naomi Watts and Hugh Jackman all contributed to the bursary, which includes flights to Los Angeles and introductions to agents and casting directors.

Source: WENN

| Sunday, February 22, 2009

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