But a gay cowboy is a whole different story.

When Ang Lee's version of the Annie Proulx story was announced, most felt Jake Gyllenhaal would be the one to watch. But Ledger stole the show, his introverted Ennis Del Mar emerging the soul of the film.

A shadow under a big hat, Ennis is a mumbling man of few words, struggling to come to grips with the unique desperation of their situation. Heath plays this with a finesse rare to his years, and is now one of the favourites for the big awards.

For Ledger, love blossomed on the sets of Brokeback Mountain, with co-star (and Best Supporting Actress nominee) Michelle Williams (left), who gave birth to their daughter Matilda Rose Ledger in October last year.

Let's see if the nominee parents get lucky.