Heath Ledger’s Golden Globe will go to his daughter Matilda, says mum

Heath Ledger’s family have said that his Golden Globe award - and any other awards he might receive - will go to his daughter Matilda.

Heath died of an accidental drug overdose a year ago but on Sunday was posthumously awarded the Best Supporting Actor for The Dark Knight at the Golden Globes - and he’s expected to win more trophies for the role over the coming weeks.

Speaking after his win on Sunday, his mum Sally Bell told reporters that she and the rest of his family were “bursting with pride” over the win: “It is such a fantastic and wonderful legacy for his daughter.

“Matilda will have so many people who will be able to speak to her about her father’s abilities and [the] respect he had in the industry. That is such a wonderful legacy to leave.

“I should imagine that eventually [the trophies] will be going to Matilda. At this stage she is only so young, but down the track she will have all these things. It will belong to her because she is part of him.”

She added that the family are on “a bit of an emotional rollercoaster” between the forthcoming first anniversary of his death and the award ceremonies: “There is a lot of emotion tied up in this and we have to deal with that emotion first before we can relax and enjoy the moment, if you know what I mean.”

Three year old Matilda is Heath’s daughter from his relationship with Michelle Williams. Heath and Michelle split up in the summer of 2007 before his death at the start of 2008.