Actress Michelle Williams recently reflected on one of the most discussed moments in Oscar history: the 2006 Academy Award for Best Picture, where her film Brokeback Mountain lost to Crash. During an appearance on Bravo's Watch What Happens Live on April 3, 2025, Williams, 44, responded to host Andy Cohen's comment about the loss being upsetting, humorously asking, “I mean, what was Crash?”
Brokeback Mountain, directed by Ang Lee, explored the complex emotional and romantic relationship between two men, Ennis (played by Heath Ledger) and Jack (played by Jake Gyllenhaal), set against the backdrop of mid-20th-century America. The film garnered eight Oscar nominations, including Best Actor for Ledger, Best Supporting Actress for Williams, and Best Supporting Actor for Gyllenhaal. Ultimately, it won three Oscars: Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Original Score.
Williams reminisced about the film's profound impact on audiences, stating, “You don’t really get an opportunity to see a lot of grown men cry. That was the moment we all knew it was going to be special.” This emotional resonance is part of what made Brokeback Mountain a landmark film in LGBTQ cinema.
Beyond its cinematic significance, Brokeback Mountain holds a personal connection for Williams. It was on the set of the film that she met Ledger, and the two later welcomed a daughter, Matilda Rose Ledger, born on October 28, 2005. Tragically, Ledger passed away in 2008 at the age of 28, leaving behind a legacy that continues to influence both film and Williams’ life.
In a poignant moment leading up to what would have been Ledger's 46th birthday on April 4, 2025, Williams spoke about the lasting impact of their relationship and the film. She recalled, “Yes, I realized how much the film would mean to the audience. Because people were so open about it.” This sentiment reflects the deep connection many viewers have with the film's themes of love and loss.
Jake Gyllenhaal, who starred alongside Ledger and Williams, has also highlighted the film's enduring emotional power. In a 2022 interview, he recounted a fan's story of having watched Brokeback Mountain eleven times in ten days, emphasizing its lasting cultural relevance.
As Williams promotes her new FX limited series Dying for Sex, which premiered on Disney+ on April 4, she continues to embrace the legacy of her past work. The series tells the true story of a woman diagnosed with terminal cancer who embarks on a journey of sexual exploration. Williams plays the lead role of Molly Kochan, showcasing her versatility as an actress.
Williams’ journey into acting began in her childhood. Growing up in Kalispell, Montana, she moved to San Diego at age nine and later legally emancipated from her parents at 15 to pursue her career in Los Angeles. Her first onscreen role was in the iconic television series Baywatch in 1993, and she rose to fame as Jen Lindley in Dawson's Creek.
Throughout her career, Williams has starred in numerous acclaimed films, including Blue Valentine, My Week With Marilyn, and Manchester By The Sea. Her role as Alma in Brokeback Mountain remains one of her most recognized performances, and she has often shared her admiration for Ledger’s talent. In the documentary I Am Heath Ledger, she expressed, “I remember the first day on set, I was blown away. I just felt an incredible connection very quickly.”
Despite the couple's split in September 2007, Williams has reflected on the challenges of raising their daughter without Ledger. She poignantly stated in a past interview, “In pretty much all senses but one, I would be able to go totally down that line of thinking were it not for Matilda not having her dad. You know, that’s just something that doesn’t… I mean, it just won’t ever be right.”
Williams has since moved forward in her personal life. She married award-winning theater director Thomas Kail in 2020 and continues to work on new projects. Currently, she is developing a biopic titled Fever, which will explore the life of singer-songwriter Peggy Lee, known for her hits spanning nearly seven decades.
As the film industry remembers Heath Ledger on what would have been his 46th birthday, his legacy is celebrated not only through his iconic roles but also through the memories shared by those who loved him. Ledger became a household name following his breakout role in 10 Things I Hate About You in 1999, followed by notable performances in The Patriot, A Knight’s Tale, and his Academy Award-nominated role in Brokeback Mountain.
Ledger’s portrayal of the Joker in The Dark Knight remains one of his most celebrated performances, earning him a posthumous Academy Award. Reflecting on his role as the Joker, he once said, “The Joker, so far, is definitely the most fun I've had with any character.” His ability to bring complex characters to life continues to resonate with audiences today.
As we remember Heath Ledger, we not only celebrate his remarkable contributions to cinema but also the personal connections that his work fostered, particularly in the lives of those who knew him best. Williams’ reflections on their shared experiences in Brokeback Mountain serve as a reminder of the lasting impact of love, art, and the memories that shape us.
