She may be a little too young to know what exactly a Golden Globe Award means, but the 3-year-old daughter of late actor Heath Ledger will become the keeper of his first Golden Globe Award which he received posthumous.

During Sunday night’s ceremony, Heath Ledger was honored with a well-deserved Golden Globe for best supporting actor for his portrayal of the Joker in last year’s “The Dark Knight,” which earned $997 million worldwide becoming the second-highest grossing film ever, behind “Titanic.”

Director Christopher Nolan was there to accept the award on Ledger’s behalf and deliver a deeply emotional speech. Only two other actors have won posthumous Golden Globes: Peter Finch and a special achievement award for James Dean.

According to the Australian actor’s mother Sally, it is only natural that the prize will end up with the most important person in Heath’s life, Matilda Rose, who currently lives with her mother, actress Michelle Williams.

“I should imagine that eventually it will be going to Matilda,” Sally Bell said from her home in Perth, Australia, in an interview. Heath’s father Kim failed to attend the ceremony citing personal reasons.

“At this stage she is only so young, but down the track she will have all these things. It will belong to her because she is part of him,” she added. 

Like any mother, Sally Bell was overjoyed with her son’s victory although the award is far from compensating the circumstances under which it was given to him. The entire family is “bursting with pride” over Heath’s recognition for playing the Joker, a role he “loved.”

“It is such a fantastic and wonderful legacy for his daughter. Matilda will have so many people who will be able to speak to her about her father’s abilities and [the] respect he had in the industry. That is such a wonderful legacy to leave,” she said.

Describing the moment she learned about Heath’s win, his mother said there were “a few tears,” right before she boarded a flight to the US from Australia. Sally went on to explain how it’s still hard for her to contain her emotions, and she has a lot to deal with before she can “relax and enjoy the moment.” She noted that the actor would have appreciated the acknowledgement from his peers because that’s what meant the most to him.

Heath Ledger was found dead in his New York apartment on January 22, 2008. The cause of death was later determined as an accidental drug overdose. He had already completed his work on “The Dark Knight,” a role which his favorite one in his entire career.

“He just loved it. People have said that it's a dark piece and that brought him down but that just didn't occur. He was so elated with his work and so happy with his work. It was amazing,” Mr Ledger said.

In preparations for the role, Ledger reportedly spent six weeks in a motel room, isolated from everyone, doing research on his character’s psychology, learning the Joker’s every tic, voice and laugh. According to his father, he would practice scaring people, making up “silly faces” and trying out different voices that would best fit the character.

The actor has already picked up a series of awards for his efforts, including a Critics' Choice Award for best supporting actor, which was accepted by the film's director on his behalf.