The late Heath Ledger won a posthumous Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for his performace as The Joker in The Dark Knight.

The deceased star’s family gave an emotional acceptance speech on his behalf.

“I have to say this is ever so humbling,” Heath’s father Kim Ledger said. He thanked Batman director Christopher Nolan for “allowing Heath the creative license to develop and explore this crazy Joker character.”

“Heath was such a compassionate and generous soul,” his mother Sally Bell said. “We have been truly overwhelmed by the honor and respect bestowed upon him with this award.”

Heath Ledger died of an accidental overdose in January 2008.