Friends and colleagues of Heath Ledger paid tribute to him at the Film Independent Spirit Awards this weekend after winning an award for one of his last films. The director and cast of "I'm Not There" dedicated the honor to Heath when they went onstage together to collect the Robert Altman Award, given to a director, casting director, and ensemble cast. Cate Blanchett was one star who looked on as director Todd Haynes saluted Heath, who played Robbie Clark in the movie. He stated that:

"Honoring this amazing ensemble today is so bittersweet given how shattered we are by Heath's inconceivable absence. We all loved him so dearly. He really was unlike anybody I have ever known, giving of himself less like an actor than a creative partner on the film as a whole. Far beyond his startling depth and sensitivity on screen, Heath was already an astounding film-maker in his own right and the creator of some of the most exquisite and diverse music videos I have ever seen. I know our film, the way it was made, was very close to his own artistic sensibilities and ambitions."

Cate also dedicated her Best Supporting Female award to Heath, saying that he had "probably one of the most beautiful spirits of all," adding: "This is for him." Pictures by Dean McDonald