Heath Ledger scholarship announced for budding Oz actors

Melbourne, May 28 : Hollywood-based organisation, Australians in Film (AIF), along with late Heath Ledger's family, have announced a scholarship in the name of the actor.

The Heath Ledger Scholarship Fund will be presented annually to a young Australian-based actor to help them pursue their dream in Hollywood.

The first beneficiary of the scholarship would be announced in 2009.

"Los Angeles is a tough place to break through and can be daunting for young Aussies," The Australian quoted Susie Dobson AIF president, as saying. "Heath was always ready to help out young Aussies and his family is extremely happy that this scholarship will continue do so in his name," she added.

AIF has been honouring young Australian actors each year at its annual Breakthrough Awards ceremony in Beverly Hills.

Actors such as Cate Blanchett, Nicole Kidman, Russell Crowe, Geoffrey Rush and Mel Gibson are among its 30 ambassadors.

ANI