The Australian Film Institute posthumously awarded Heath Ledger for his performance as the Joker in 'The Dark Knight', triumphing over other Australians like Eric Bana (The Other Boleyn Girl), Russell Crowe (American Gangster) and Jack Thompson (Leatherheads). Back in 2006, Ledger won the same award for his Oscar nominated performance in 'Brokeback Mountain'.

Ledger's immediate family i. e. Kim (father), Sally (mother) and Kate (sister), accepted the award from actor Michael Caton, as the A-list film and television crowd gave them a standing ovation. Fighting back tears, Kate Ledger voiced their emotions, saying: 'It's been without a doubt the most difficult year, losing such a loved family member. We are so proud of him and humbly accept this award on behalf of his beautiful daughter, who we will cherish forever.'

The other winners, among the actresses: Cate Blanchett beat Nicole Kidman (The Golden Compass) and Emmy winner Judy Davis (The Starter Wife) to take the International Actress Award for her Oscar nominated performance in 'Elizabeth: The Golden Age', including other Emmy nominee Rachel Griffiths (Brothers & Sisters). This year's News Limited Readers Choice Award, won by Bana last year, Ledger in 2006 and Blanchett in 2005, went to Hugh Jackman, the people's choice.

Other awards like Best Picture went to Australian film 'The Black Balloon', Best Director - Elissa Down, Original Screenplay - 'Elissa Down' and 'Jimmy The Exploder', Luke Ford won the award for Supporting Actor, with Supporting Actress award going to Toni Collette. William McInnes won Best Actor award for his role in 'The Unfinished Sky', Best Actress award went to Monic Hendricks, and Peter Duncan won the Best Adapted Screenplay award for his telling of an unlikely love story between an Outback rancher and an abused Afghan sex worker.

Of the Australian TV shows, 'Underbelly' won awards for Top Drama Series, direction, including all four acting awards. A controversial fictionalization of Melbourne's recent gangland wars, 'Underbelly' was not allowed to be aired in the city due to ongoing criminal trials of the real-life accused. On a much lighter note, Best Comedy series award went to 'Summer Heights High' (now showing on HBO), including a performance prize for Chris Lilley, creator of the show.