Heath Ledger's Golden Globe nomination

Heath Ledger has received a posthumous Best Supporting Actor Golden Globe nomination.

The actor, who died of an accidental prescription drugs overdose in January, is up for the prestigious accolade at the annual awards show - which is owned and organised by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association - for his portrayal of The Joker in summer Batman blockbuster 'The Dark Knight'.

Heath's father Kim Ledger said in a statement: "We thank the Hollywood Foreign Press Association for honouring Heath's performance in 'The Dark Knight'.

"This nomination is deeply appreciated and is not lost on those of us who continue to love and miss him. We are so proud our boy's work is being recognized in this way."

Other actors nominated in the category include Tom Cruise and Robert Downey Jr. for their respective roles in 'Tropic Thunder' and Ralph Fiennes for 'The Duchess'.

Leonardo DiCaprio is up for the Best Actor (Drama) prize for his role in 'Revolutionary Road' with Sean Penn nominated for the same accolade for 'Milk'.

Brad Pitt also received a Best Actor (Drama) nod for his part in 'The Curious Incident of Benjamin Button', while his partner Angelina Jolie is up for Best Actress (Drama) for 'Changeling'.

Among others, the 33-year-old actress will battle against 'Rachel Getting Married' star Anne Hathaway and 'Revolutionary Road' actress Kate Winslet for the honour.

Kate, 33, is also nominated in the Best Supporting Actress category for her role in 'The Reader'.

Veteran actress Meryl Streep has also received two nods, Best Actress (Drama) for 'Doubt' and Best Musical/Comedy Actress for 'Mamma Mia!'.

'The Curious Case of Benjamin Button', 'Frost/Nixon', 'The Reader', 'Revolutionary Road' and 'Slumdog Millionaire' are all up for the prestigious Best Motion Picture award.

The 66th Annual Golden Globe Awards take place on January 11 at Los Angeles' Beverly Hilton hotel.

66th Annual Golden Globe Awards nominations main nominees:

Best Motion Picture:

'The Curious Case of Benjamin Button'

'Frost/Nixon'

'The Reader'

'Revolutionary Road'

'Slumdog Millionaire'

Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy:

'Burn After Reading'

'In Bruges'

'Happy-Go-Lucky'

'Mamma Mia'

'Vicky Cristina Barcelona'

Best Supporting Actor:

Tom Cruise - 'Tropic Thunder'

Robert Downey Jr. - 'Tropic Thunder'

Ralph Fiennes - 'The Duchess'

Philip Seymour Hoffman - 'Doubt'

Heath Ledger - 'The Dark Knight'

Best Director:

Danny Boyle - 'Slumdog Millionaire'

Steven Daldry - 'The Reader'

David Fincher - 'The Curious Case of Benjamin Button'

Ron Howard - 'Frost/Nixon'

Sam Mendes - 'Revolutionary Road'

Best Actor (Drama):

Leonardo DiCaprio - 'Revolutionary Road'

Frank Langella - 'Frost/Nixon'

Sean Penn - 'Milk'

Brad Pitt - 'The Curious Case of Benjamin Button'

Mickey Rourke - 'The Wrestler'

Best Actress (Drama):

Anne Hathaway - 'Rachel Getting Married'

Angelina Jolie - 'Changeling'

Meryl Streep - 'Doubt'

Kristen Scott Thomas - 'I've Loved You So Long'

Kate Winslet - 'Revolutionary Road'

Best Supporting Actress:

Amy Adams - 'Doubt'

Penelope Cruz - 'Vicky Cristina Barcelona'

Viola Davis - 'Doubt'

Marisa Tomei - 'The Wrestler'

Kate Winslet - 'The Reader'

Taken From : China Daily