Michael Caine: 'Heath Ledger Will Land An Oscar Nomination'

HEATH LEDGER will be honored with a posthumous Oscar nomination for his role as the JOKER in BATMAN movie THE DARK KNIGHT, his co-star SIR MICHAEL CAINE insists.

Ledger's performance has been lauded by castmates and preview audiences, and his name is already being mentioned as a contender for next year's Academy Awards - which will take place shortly after the first anniversary of his death.

And Caine is sure he'll get a mention. Speaking on Friday (11Jul08) as he unveiled his hand and footprints outside the famous Grauman's Chinese Theater in Hollywood, the 75-year-old says, "I think he'll get a posthumous Oscar nomination at least.

"I just watched him and talked to him for three days and I thought he was extraordinary."

Ledger was found dead from an accidental overdose of prescription drugs at his New York apartment on 22 January. He was just 28 years old.

The Dark Knight hits movie theatres in the U.S. on 18 July (08).