Late Hollywood actor Heath Ledger was awarded a posthumous Oscar for best supporting role for his performance in "The Dark Knight".

Ledger immortalised the character of the "Clown" in the film based on the DC Comics "Batman" series.

Ledger died of a drug overdose in January 2008, a few months before the release of the movie directed by Christopher Nolan.

Ledger's father, mother and sister received the Oscar award on his behalf here Sunday.

"This award is a testimony to what he has achieved," said the actor's father Kim Ledger