Will Heath Ledger Win an Oscar as the Joker?

On July 18th, The Dark Knight will open in wide release throughout North America. While Christian Bale will reprise his successful turn as Batman, the late Heath Ledger will be making his debut at the villainous Joker.

Early reviews of the film are glowing, and Ledger in particular is getting a lot of praise. Co-stars such as Michael Caine have even went so far as to predict an Oscar win for the young Australian.

PREPARING TO PLAY THE JOKER

Prior to Ledger being cast as the Joker, actors such as Robin Williams, Steve Carell, Adrien Brody and Paul Bettany all expressed interest in the role. Ledger was confirmed to have won the role in July of 2006.

In true method acting style, Ledger lived alone in a hotel room for a month. During that time, he developed the character’s voice, posture and psychology. He even kept a diary in which he recorded the Joker’s thoughts and feelings. Fortunately, he didn’t listen to any Prince during his stay at the hotel.

On the Joker, Ledger commented that he was a “psychopathic, mass murdering, schizophrenic clown with zero empathy.”

He also stated in an interview that he knew his performance would not be universally well-received. “I know at the end of the day you are not going to please anyone 100 percent. I refuse to carbon copy a performance. That would not be a challenge, and it would be mocking Mr. Nicholson, whom I have much respect for.”

EARLY FEEDBACK FOR LEDGER

With The Dark Knight only days away, numerous reviews are already available on the Internet. Let’s take a look at what a few critics are saying about Heath Ledger’s performance as The Joker.

“The late Heath Ledger, however, give us something darker and more twisted - a role that would have been no less memorable had it not been his last and most grueling.” James Berardinelli

“I can only speak superlatives of Ledger, who is mad-crazy-blazing brilliant as the Joker.” Peter Travers

“Ledger wrested the role from previous performers Cesar Romero and Jack Nicholson and reinvented it completely.” Christy Lemire of the Associated Press

“With all due respect to the enjoyable camp buffoonery of past Jokers like Cesar Romero and Jack Nicholson, Ledger makes them look like---well, clowns.” Justin Chang of Variety

AN OSCAR WIN FOR LEDGER?

So with all this praise, one has to wonder of Ledger will be nominated for an Oscar in his next-to-last role? Luckily, Bodog is taking bets on this question, so be sure and log-in to cast your vote.

Will Heath Ledger be nominated for a Supporting Actor Oscar for his performance as The Joker in The Dark Knight?

Yes -320

No +220

Will Heath Ledger win an Oscar for his performance as the Joker?

Yes +150

No -230

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Will Heath Ledger Win an Oscar as the Joker?