Heath Ledger's family will accept Oscar if late actor wins

If Heath Ledger wins the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor on Feb. 22, his family will accept the award on his behalf,Dark Knightdirector Christopher Nolan told EW.com at the DGA Awards Saturday night.

Nolan accepted Ledgers Golden Globe award on Jan. 8, and LedgersDark Knightcostar Gary Oldman took the stage on behalf of the young actor at the SAG Awards on Jan. 25.

Nolan did not elaborate on which members of Ledgers family would accept should Ledger win, but previous family statements have been made by Ledgers father, Kim, mother, Sally, and older sister Kate, and its possible all three would step to the front of the Kodak on Oscar night.

The last (and only) time an actor has won an Oscar posthumously Peter Finch as Best Actor for 1976sNetwork the films screenwriter Paddy Chayefsky and Finchs widow Eletha accepted on Finchs behalf.For more on Heath Ledger:Heath Ledger: The Untold StoryHeath Ledger: A Career Retrospective