MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) -- The Australian Film Institute has posthumously given a best-actor award to Heath Ledger for his performance as the Joker in "The Dark Knight."

Ledger's father, Kim; mother, Sally; and sister Kate accepted the award in ceremonies held Saturday night in Melbourne.

The Australian Film Institute said: "It was this swaggering, psychopathic clown that turned his career into a legacy and the name Heath Ledger into an ongoing inspiration for actors everywhere."

Ledger's performance in the Batman blockbuster is regarded as having a solid chance for a posthumous Academy Award for best supporting actor.