Posted by

Monday January 28, 2008

TRAGIC Heath Ledger was remembered in emotional tributes at the Screen Actors Guild Awards last night.

The ‘Brokeback Mountain’ hunk was warmly applauded by a star-packed audience when his image appeared at the end of a roll of honor of actors who have died in the past year.

And Daniel Day-Lewis dedicated his Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role award to Heath.

In a touching acceptance speech, the ‘There Will Be Blood’ star told how Heath was one of the talented performers who have inspired to continue taking on new roles.

The London-born Irishman was applauded by the star-packed audience including John Travolta, Angelina Jolie, Cate Blanchett, Tommy Lee Jones and fellow nominee Viggo Mortensen as he saluted Heath.

He said: “For as long as I can remember, the thing that gave me a sense of wonderment, of renewal, the thing that teased me with the question ‘How is such a thing possible?’ and then ‘Dare you go back into the arena one more time with longing and self-doubt jostling in the balance?’ has always been the work of other actors.

“There are many actors in this room tonight, including my fellow nominees, who have given me that sense of regeneration.

“Heath Ledger gave it to me.”

“In ‘Monster’s Ball’ that character he created seemed to be almost like an unformed being, retreating from themselves, retreating from his father, from his life, even retreating from us.

“And yet we wanted to follow him and yet we were scared to follow him almost.

“It was unique.

“Then, of course, in ‘Brokeback Mountain’ he was unique, he was perfect.

“That scene in the trailer at the end of the film is as moving as anything I have ever seen

“I would like to dedicate this to Heath Ledger.”

Day-Lewis had previously told of his deep sorrow over Heath’s suspected drugs overdose last week in an interview with Oprah Winfrey, although he admitted he never actually met the Australian actor.

‘No Country For Old Men’ star Josh Brolin introduced the tribute to the late actors who passed away over the last 12 months.

He said: “The characters they brought to life and stories they helped tell contribute to a screen legacy that will be treasured for years to come.

“Here’s to those who gave us an insight, to all those who touched our hearts.

“So with deep appreciation, a fond and final farewell.”

Heath, who appeared in the memorial in his famous ‘Brokeback Mountain’ role as gay cowboy Ennis Del Mar, was the last image to appear before the screen faded to black.