‘Batman: The Dark Knight’ Premieres In NYC
Batman: The Dark Knight held it’s first premiere, a black carpet event, at the AMC Loews Lincoln Center in NYC last night. All of the principal stars of the movie were in attendance (many of them matched up with their partners) including members of the late Heath Ledger’s family (who opted out of talking to any press as they walked the carpet). Here are a few pics from the black carpet arrivals at last night’s premiere:

There were lots of jubilant smiles and happy faces … it’s nice that the stars of The Dark Knight can celebrate their new movie (reportedly a tour de force for Heath Ledger) without having to cast any mournful sadness on the event over the loss of Heath Ledger. After the jump, check out more pics from the black carpet arrivals at the movie premiere and a few photos of some of the attendees at the movie’s afterparty at the Mandarin Oriental …
Here are a few more guests walking the black carpet at last night’s movie premiere:

It looks like any celeb who was in the NYC vicinity was able to make their way to the movie’s premiere … and who could blame them? The Dark Knight promises to be the summer’s biggest blockbuster and will, most likely generate massive buzz for the rest of the year. Considering there is Oscar talk already, well, there’s no telling how huge TDK may turn out to be. I, for one, am counting down the seconds until I am able to see the movie this Thursday night at midnight.
Here are a few pics of some of the guests who attended the premiere afterparty at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, including Kim and Kate Ledger (Heath’s father and sister respectively) and various hotties:

I understand that Heath’s mother, Sally Bell, was also at last night’s premiere and/or afterparty but no members of the Ledger family gave any interviews to the press. Heath’s father was asked what he thought about the movie and he reportedly gave a thumbs up. I cannot imagine how difficult it must be for the family to watch this movie … but, again, I understand that Heath gave a phenomenal performance … one that will prolly live on as his legacy.
I believe there will be another premiere event for The Dark Knight here in LA this week … and then the movie will open for the rest of us to see. I am so excited!!!
[Photo credit: Splash News, Bauer-Griffin, Wireimage]
Tags: 'Batman: The Dark Knight', Aaron Eckhart, Blake Lively, Chace Crawford, Christian Bale, Christopher Nolan, Ed Westwick, Emile Hirsch, Gary Oldman, Kim Ledger, Lauren 'LC' Conrad, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Michael Caine, Morgan Freeman, Peter Sarsgaard, Robert Buckley, Sandra Blazic-Bale, Seth Green


July 15th, 2008 at 8:29 am
I always thought that Ledger was a great actor, but I really think people are hyping his performance up to this degree (talking about Oscar nominations etc) JUST because he tragically died. If he were still alive, would they be talking about Oscars?
July 15th, 2008 at 8:36 am
of course! I think so IMO. Each time I see the commerical and or trailer for it, you can see how much effort and feelings he put into his performance. I think out of all the Batman villians, he played the best one.
July 15th, 2008 at 8:47 am
I love how they all wore black to the premiere, very classy.
July 15th, 2008 at 8:53 am
Everyone looks great! Maggie, Christian, and shit, even LC looks pretty damn good. I can’t wait to see this movie especially with this all-star cast. It is a horrible shame that Heath left this earth early but he will always be remembered for being an awesome actor and person! Damn, I can stare at Christian all day long…
July 15th, 2008 at 9:04 am
Yes, the Oscar buzz would be happening to an even GREATER degree if Heath were still alive. I was lucky and got to see a 10-minute clip of the movie a couple of months ago, and Heath Ledger is *OUTSTANDING* as the Joker. It’s hard to describe, really, just how in-depth this character portrayal is. If you did not know that Heath Ledger was the actor before you walked into the movie, you would never know it was him. He does THAT amazing of a job in creating a character so unlike himself. I am a trained actor, and I can tell you that his performance of this character is completely brilliant. Other actors/directors/etc will study this role for years to come in film schools across the country.
July 15th, 2008 at 9:46 am
I so CANNOT wait for this movie.
Going to pwn, I’m sure.
July 15th, 2008 at 10:45 am
Christian Bale is Fiiiiiiiiiiiiine!!!! What a handsome guy!!!
July 15th, 2008 at 10:57 am
Maggie Gyllenhall’s dress is so beautiful.
July 15th, 2008 at 11:28 am
Who is Gary Oldman’s arm candy?
July 15th, 2008 at 11:31 am
Sure to be a great movie but I couldn’t help but notice Michelle Williams was noticeably absent. I feel so bad for her. Right now must feel like punching an already bruised spot.
July 15th, 2008 at 12:09 pm
Yeah Sara, thats what I was going to say. I am super surprised that Michelle wasnt there!!
July 15th, 2008 at 1:36 pm
WOW, the boys from GG look insanely fab…yum-O
Is it Friday yet? I can’t wait!
July 15th, 2008 at 4:53 pm
I can’t wait to see this Thursday at midnight!!!
But anyways, Heath and Michelle weren’t together anymore… she’s under no obligation to go to any premieres for this. I’m sure the funeral was hard enough.
I’m sure she’s happy for him that his final picture is going to kick some major booty though :)
July 15th, 2008 at 11:31 pm
i’m excited to watch this movie because batman begins revitalized the whole batman franchise for me. christopher nolan, christian bale and the rest of the cast did an amazing job in that movie so i’m looking forward to seeing how the dark knight picks up from the previous film. i’m also terribly excited about seeing heath in another ground breaking role since i’ve heard all the wonderful reviews he’s gotten.
michelle is currently shooting a film with leonardo di caprio. i think she was invited by heath’s family to the premiere but since she’s working she couldn’t go.
July 17th, 2008 at 6:24 pm
Well, seeing as how they should have given Heath an Oscar for Brokeback Mountain, but didn’t, maybe now they can make it up to him. The performance is being hyped up alot, but for good reason, and he was a great actor, so at least he will finally get the recognition he deserved.
July 19th, 2008 at 10:31 pm
I believe they ARE hyping up Heath’s role in this movie. Typical Hollyweird. Anyway, I loved loved Brokeback Mountain. He deserved an Oscar for that role. In fact, I think he was robbed that year. People were just so homophobic when that movie came out. He was brilliant and heartbreaking. I wonder how Jake is coping with Heath’s death. Jake seems like a wonderful and sensitive person. I bet he’s still hurting. I could only watch Brokeback Mountain once. I couldn’t bear to see it again. Heartbreaking. I hope he’s remembered for his role as Ennis instead of the insane Joker.