Golden Globes: Christopher Nolan Remembers Heath Ledger After Accepting Best Director Award

director won the best director award at the 2024 on Sunday night, and when he took the stage, he remembered the late Heath Ledger, who, of course, starred in Nolan’s 2008 “The only time I’ve ever been on the stage before was accepting one of these on behalf of our dear friend, Heath Ledger,” Nolan said.

“And that was complicated and challenging for me, and in the middle of speaking, Robert Downey Jr. caught my eye, and gave me a look of love and support — the same look he’s giving me now, the same love and support he’s shown so many people in our community. I thought it would be simpler accepting for myself, but as a director, I realized I can only accept this on behalf of people.

As directors, we bring people together, and we try and get them to give their best.” Nolan went on to thank stars Cillian Murphy, Florence Pugh, Emily Blunt and Matt Damon, as well as Universal chairman and chief content officer Donna Langley, producer Chuck Roven and Nolan’s producing partner and wife Emma Thomas.

In 2009, Ledger won the best supporting actor in a drama movie Golden Globe award for his role in , which Nolan accepted on his behalf following Ledger’s death. This year, Nolan was nominated alongside Bradley Cooper ( ), Greta Gerwig ( ), Yorgos Lanthimos ( ), Martin Scorsese ( ) and Celine Song ( ).

also took home for best supporting actor and best actor in a drama movie as well as best original score. Golden Globes producer Dick Clark Productions is owned by Penske Media Eldridge, a joint venture between Penske Media Corporation and Eldridge that also owns The Hollywood Reporter. See the full list of the 2024 Golden Globes winners .

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