I cannot disagree more strongly that Ledger created an iconic character, the make up artists, the designers and the director created this version of the Joker. They should give him the "Jack Sparrow" award for an unconvincing, silly voice thru an entire movie.

Mark Watson, Barcelona, Spain

Having seen the film I agree it is an incredible movie but just like Batman Begins it suffers from some terminal miscasting. Heath Ledger would only be honoured for his unfortunate death, not his portrayal of the joker which consists of a lot of lip smacking, blinking and a silly voice.

Mark Watson, Barcelona, Spain

I saw this movie last night and I must say this is the summers greatest movie. Heath Ledger played by far the greatest villian of all time and for the people who commented stating that the attention is drawn to him only because of his death, I highly disagree whether he is dead or alive He will win!

Christine, Gatineau, Canada

@Jon- "Nobody cared less until his unfortunate death. "

Absolutley right. And lets not forget that this Ledger fellow died of a prescription drug overdose, and had an illegitimate child. Not something that anyone with any morals would want to hold up and celebrate.

*Siiigh*, Hollywood...

Matt, London, , uk

I just saw the movie last night. He deserves an Oscar for his performance...maybe all you people who are critical of why people say he deserves the award should actually SEE the movie before you comment...just a thought.

Christine, Guelph, ON

Heath Ledger will definately win the Oscar, not based on pity at all. He has done an amazing job with all of his work, especially his most valued; The Dark Knight. I have been a fan of his for years, and its tragic how he had to die so young and talented. He definately blew Nicholson out of water:)

Rachael N., Sarasota, FL,

The cynical and negative commentators prove one thing - they lack class. How can you make such comments in the wake of Heath Ledger's tragic death, at such a young age, leaving behind a young daughter? And air such idiotic comments in a public forum? btw, he was a superb actor, and still improving!

Tony L, Jakarta,

Heath Ledger will win the Oscar but not because he's dead. He has earned it through his greatest performance. He created an iconic character. If you brush up on your Oscar history then you will know that only one actor has won an Oscar after they have died. Sympathy has nothing to do with it.

Hector, McMinnville,

Greatest actor of our generation? Only until the next one dies.

Nobody cared less until his unfortunate death.

jon, berkshire,

Heath Ledger would have been the greatest actor of our generation.

Brendan, Warnambool, Australia

Seen the clips. Not even the shadow of Nicholson. Or Caesar Romero, for that matter.

Eugene, heidelberg, germany

Somewhat of a cynic aren't you Nick and Alison.

Jerry Scroggin, Phoenix, Arizona/USA

If he wins it's because he deserved it sentimentality has nothing to do with it. The world has lost a truly iconic actor the dark knight lays testament to that.

lesley, cardiff,

Well said, Nick Mortimer!

Alison, York,

Of course he'll win an oscar , he's dead! The showbiz world loves sentimentality

Nick Mortimer, London,