Naomi Watts, Gary Oldman and Ryan Murphy Named as Judges for 2017 Heath Ledger Scholarship (Exclusive)

The ninth annual scholarship honors the late actor by offering financial and educational assistance for emerging Australian talent attempting to break into Hollywood

Australians in Film, a non-profit organization that serves as the industry guild for Australian entertainment professionals in Los Angeles, made the announcement on Wednesday.

Kate Ledger, Heath’s sister and AiF Board member added: The objective of the scholarship is to ‘smooth the way’ and ‘open doors’ allowing the recipient to focus all their energy and efforts on getting work.

Watts, Oldman and Murphy will join fellow judges Bruna Papandrea (“Gone Girl,” “Wild,” “Big Little Lies”); Oscar-winning producer, Emile Sherman (“The Kings Speech,” “Lion,” “Top of the Lake”); executive producer, director, writer, Kimberly Peirce (“Boys Don’t Cry,” “Stop- Loss,” “Carrie”); director, Gregor Jordon (“Two Hands,” “Ned Kelly”); actress, Jacqueline McKenzie “The Water Diviner,” “Without a Trace,” NCIS:

[...] Read: 'Suicide Squad' Star Jared Leto Praises Heath Ledger's Joker: 'One of the Best Performances on Film, Period'

To date, $250,000 has been awarded to help the winners with career and educational opportunities in the U.S. Among the life-changing prizes for the the lucky winner are two return Qantas economy airfares from Australia to Los Angeles, seven-day California trip, living expenses and rental assistance in Los Angeles.

With the support our Presenting Partners, Qantas, Visit California, Ausfilm and Screenwise Film & TV School for Actors, the winning recipient will receive: