Ledger mates to judge scholarship

Peter Mitchell | 9th January 2009

Heath Ledger.

flickr.com/John Griffiths

AN esteemed panel made up of Heath Ledger's close friends and peers has agreed to judge the winner of a US scholarship named in honour of the late Australian actor.

The Heath Ledger Scholarship will give an emerging Australian actor a boost in making it in Hollywood.

As well as $US10,000 ($A14,000) and a return Qantas airfare to Los Angeles, the scholarship, organised by LA-based non-profit Australians in Film (AIF), will open doors for the actor to Hollywood studios and powerbrokers.

The judging panel includes Gregor Jordan, who directed Ledger in Ned Kelly, leading Hollywood casting agent Ann Fay, Australian actress Rachel Griffiths, and Hollywood producer and Ledger's first US-based agent, Steve Alexander.

Two of Ledger's high-profile exes, Naomi Watts and Michelle Williams, have thrown their support behind the scholarship. Hugh Jackman, Deborra Lee Furness and Nicole Kidman also contributed as benefactors, along with corporate donors Qantas, Branding Iron, Loeb & Loeb, Showcast, and World Nomads.

"We are fortunate to have a judging panel and benefactors comprised of such leaders in the entertainment community who add immeasurably to the integrity and prestige of the scholarship," AIF president Susie Dobson said.

Nominations have closed and the winner will be announced next month.

"Because Rachel, Ann, Gregor and Steve worked with and knew Heath well, their presence adds a special personal dimension to the panel," AIF board vice president and scholarship committee chairperson, Paula Paizes, said.

Ledger, 28, died from an accidental prescription drug overdose a year ago.