Ledger mates to judge scholarship | Ipswich Celebrity | Celebrities and Speakers in Ipswich

Ledger mates to judge scholarship

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 actor.

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.

 
© AAP

Add a Comment

 
Promotion
Suncorp insurance

Advertisement

What's On

Browse

 

powered by

Pisces

20 February - 20 March

Stand back everyone, because you are in high gear. You can feel that the extra drive you need to carry your latest ideas (and self) out into the world is there. Do... More Horoscopes »

Select your zodiac sign

Aries | Taurus | Gemini | Cancer | Leo | Virgo | Libra | Scorpio | Sagittarius | Capricorn | Aquarius | Pisces

Link to top
APN news and media

© APN News & Media Ltd 2010. Unauthorised reproduction is prohibited under the laws of Australia and by international treaty. APN | APN Group Websites

Back to access links