Awards Winners Pay Tribute To Heath Ledger

Heath Ledger was honoured by winners at the Film Independent Spirit Awards yesterday.

Todd Hayes, who directed Ledger in ‘I’m Not There’ paid tribute to the late actor as he picked up the inaugural Robert Altman Award for director and ensemble cast.

He said, “We all loved him so dearly. He really was unlike anybody I've ever known, giving up of himself less like an actor than a creative partner."

Hayes said Ledger was planning to move into directing himself before his accidental death last month.

He explained, “He had just started circulating a feature script that he was planning to direct - an adaptation of The Queen's Gambit by Walter Tevis.

"I have no doubt he would have made an astounding director. I treasure the time we shared on this film and the love and talent that he gave so freely."

Earlier at the ceremony in Santa Monica, California, Cate Blanchett also paid tribute to her friend and I’m Not There co-star when she picked up her Best Supporting Actress award, saying Ledger was "probably one of the most beautiful independent spirits of all".