Ledger artwork wins people's vote

Vincent Fantauzzo's artwork drew record crowds to the exhibition Enlarge Image

A portrait of late actor Heath Legder has won the people's choice award, which is voted for by members of the public in Australia.

Vincent Fantauzzo's painting was a finalist in the 2008 Archibald Prize - Australia's top prize for portraiture - but missed out on the top award.

"I wanted it to be dealing with self, your own consciousness and your thoughts," said Mr Fantauzzo.

Fantauzzo has donated the work to the Art Gallery of New South Wales.

More than 32,000 people voted for the portrait which drew record crowds to the exhibition.

Ledger, 28, best known for his role in the 2005 movie Brokeback Mountain, died of an accidental overdose of prescription drugs in New York in January.

He will appear as the joker in the latest Batman movie, Dark Knight, which is due out in July.