Blanchett in tribute to Ledger at Spirit Awards

0 Comments | AFP, February, 2008

SANTA MONICA, California (AFP) — Australian icon Cate Blanchett paid tribute to Heath Ledger here Saturday after scooping a top prize at the prestigious Independent Spirit Awards.

A heavily pregnant Blanchett, who is tipped to win a second Oscar in three years at Sunday's 80th Academy Awards, was on hand to collect a best supporting actress prize for her gender-defying turn as Bob Dylan in "I'm Not There."

"It's kind of cruel to make a pregnant lady waddle this far," Blanchett joked before paying tribute to Ledger, who died in January after accidentally consuming a lethal cocktail of drugs.

Blanchett, 38, described Ledger, who also featured in "I'm Not There," as one of the most "beautiful independent spirits of all."

The Spirit Awards honor the...