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It was a bittersweet night for the family of Heath Ledger, who was on hand at the Australian Film Institute, to accept an award in the deceased actor's honor.

Heath won the Best Actor honor for his portrayal of the Joker in this past summer's blockbuster The Dark Knight. Standing at the podium, Heath's dad, Kim, his mother, Sally, and his sister Kate thanked the group for their tribute.

"It's been without a doubt the most difficult year, losing such a loved family member," a teary Kate told the crowd. "We are so proud of him and humbly accept this award on behalf of his beautiful daughter, who we will cherish forever."

"We are immensely proud of him," Heath's mom added. "Not only for his professional achievements, but in the way he truly cherished his family, friends and his precious Matilda. Heath was never one to accept mediocrity, he put his heart and soul into achieving what he believed was required and followed his passions with great enthusiasm and an insatiable curiosity."

I have a feeling this is the first of many awards Heath's loved ones will be taking home.