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

Oppenheimer director Christopher Nolan won the best director award at the 2024 Golden Globes on Sunday night, and when he took the stage, he remembered the late Heath Ledger, who, of course, starred in Nolan’s 2008 The Dark Knight.

“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.”

More from The Hollywood Reporter

• Emma Stone Declares 'Poor Things' a Rom-Com with Her Golden Globe Win

• Ayo Edebiri Thanks 'The Bear' Co-Stars Following Golden Globe Win: "An Honor To Work With You"

• Golden Globes: 'Succession' Star Kieran Culkin Jokingly Tells Pedro Pascal to "Suck It" After Winning Best Actor in a TV Drama

Nolan went on to thank Oppenheimer 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 The Dark Knight, which Nolan accepted on his behalf following Ledger’s death.

This year, Nolan was nominated alongside Bradley Cooper (Maestro), Greta Gerwig (Barbie), Yorgos Lanthimos (Poor Things), Martin Scorsese (Killers of the Flower Moon) and Celine Song (Past Lives).

Oppenheimer also took home awards for best supporting actor and best actor in a drama movie as well as best original score. The film also won best drama, the final award of the night.

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 here.

Best of The Hollywood Reporter

• Most Anticipated Movie Releases of 2024

• ‘The Lord of the Rings’ Trilogy Cast, Then and Now

• Eight Actors Who Have Played Willy Wonka in Films and on Broadway