Stars have paid tribute to the late Heath Ledger at the world premiere of the new Batman film in New York.
Ledger's performance as The Joker in The Dark Knight has prompted speculation that he may win a posthumous Oscar for the role.
"It's the best performance of a villain I have seen," said co-star Sir Michael Caine, who walked down a black carpet.
The movie is dedicated to the actor, who died aged 28 following an accidental drug overdose in January.
"My feeling is that he will get a nomination, I would be very surprised if he didn't get the Oscar - he has my vote anyway," said Sir Michael.
Gary Oldman, who plays Lieutenant Jim Gordon in the film, said: "I haven't seen a villain like this, or a bad guy like this, since Dennis Hopper played Frank Booth in Blue Velvet - this out-scares Hannibal Lecter."
Co-star Aaron Eckhart added: "I'm so sad he's not here with us and doing these interviews right now, but we are going to honour him tonight."
The Dark Knight, directed by Christopher Nolan, follows Batman as he sets out to destroy organised crime in Gotham City for good.
The film will have its London premiere on 21 July, ahead of its UK release on 25 July.
(BBC)
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