“The Dark Knight”’s Monday night World Premiere in New York gathered the world’s most famous stars who paid tribute to the late Heath Ledger.

Kim Ledger, the father of the deceased actor, and his wife, Heath Ledger’s stepmother, Ines, attended the premiere, although they stayed away from the red carpet. The couple entered the cinema through a back doorway and did not miss their son impersonating The Joker in the most recent Batman movie.

The actor’s mother, Sally Bell, was also present at the opening of the movie, accompanied by her husband and her daughter, Heath Ledger’s older sister, Kate.

As he left the cinema, the actor’s father gave the thumbs-up sign to photographers and told reporters that the movie was “very good.”

Heath Ledger died on January 22 this year from an accidental prescription-drug overdose and was very appreciated for his role as the jovial yet menacing Joker. His film colleagues also attended the New York premiere, using the big event to pay tribute to their ex-team-mate.

Christian Bale, 34, who plays the role of the Caped Crusade for the second time, expressed his please regarding the fact that Heath “steals the movie.”

Moreover, Sir Michael Caine, who impersonates Batman’s butler, Alfred Pennyworth, in “The Dark Knight”, said that the “intensity and ferocity of the performance” were incredible.

Heath Ledger’s act as The Joker is already getting glowing reviews, and critics are pointing the late actor to receive a posthumous Oscar nomination at this year’s ceremony.