Jake Gyllenhaal recalls working with Heath Ledger and Ang Lee on Brokeback Mountain

At the 2016 British Academy Britannia Awards, Jake Gyllenhaal gave a moving tribute to Ang Lee, who received the John Schlesinger Britannia Award, by recalling their work with Heath Ledger on 2005's Brokeback Mountain.

[@Etigress]

Heath made Jake his daughter's Godparent and that showed how much they really loved each other.

[@davidchacon1718]

Are you talking about the movie or in really life??

[@Etigress]

@@davidchacon1718 real life

[@ssobanko220]

@@Etigress like lovers in real life?

[@sarahadamyan8151]

@@ssobanko220 no like really good friend

[@Kristine_202]

I heard Jake tell a story about Heath and he said, "That's how much he loved me." Their love was real. And I don't mean romantic love, they were both straight men, they were just two human beings who really adored each other. I feel like it's easier for women to have that kind of relationship. We have our friends and we'll say things like, "I love her. I adore her. She's my girl." It's a little more difficult for men because people ask, "Are they gay?" Heath and Jake weren't afraid of that. They loved each other and weren't afraid to say it. They did more for the LGBTQ+ community than people realize. For one, they made a mainstream film about two men falling in love, which was something that hadn't really been done before. But they also had this beautiful friendship that proved that two men can love each other and it doesn't have to be sexual. If you're man and you love your best friend, don't be afraid to say it. That's beautiful. As a straight woman, I tell my girlfriends "I love you" all the time. I wish more men would feel comfortable saying it too. My best friend died in a freak accident one year ago and she knew I loved her. It's the last thing we said to each other. I'm sure Heath knew that Jake loved him too.

[@srayj]

I like Jake so much and this is special to see him talking about Brokeback since he hasn’t really talked about it since Heath died.

[@alexc6342]

He has talked about it as before

[@alexc6342]

But understood what you are saying

[@p.s.5]

Yes and he was very nervous. I think it means a lot to him, more than we know! Because BBM means a lot to him..even after such a long time.

[@cuac5869]

“Soooo gay” wasn’t expecting that, great speech

[@aliasmarg8ta127]

OMG funniest thing I’ve heard

[@dawynn9362]

I heard .".sooookay"

[@p.s.5]

And so important to say it loud! He was proud to talk about! Very warm hearted speech!

[@gordonsung5941]

He's genuinely a nice person. I worked as an extra on,the movie okja and chatted with him. I have nothing but nice things,to say about him. One,of the very few humble actors left in hollywood

[@Jakeyisdead]

gordon sung if this is legit I need to know, did he smell good?

[@NinaC]

gordon sung He is one of my favorites so this makes me happy.

[@ALBUMOF2008]

OMG I’m jealous

[@jomoody798]

You worked un Okja??? Omg I love that movie. It turned my sister vegetarian

[@johntavevo673]

Bullshit

[@allo_es_me_sam]

Heath was able to act with both gyllenhals, what a legend RIP.

[@xyz_KrystalWallace_zyx]

Han Yolo What movie did he star in with Maggie?

[@eyesintheroad]

Omg, hadn't even crossed my mind!

[@leahdorothy]

xyz_Krystal Wallace_zyx the dark knight im sure

[@iamgroot2810]

@@xyz_KrystalWallace_zyx The Dark Knight

[@HELLBOY583]

In 2 of his most iconic works. Did the Gyllenhaals bring out the best in him or what

[@millymillymilly]

I can’t believe it’s been 10 years.

[@TizzmantineUK]

Im on a heath binge atm, he would have been 39 next month, i cant even imagine all the amazing characters he would have created in the 10 years since his passing, when i was younger i LOVED heath ledger, no celebrity death has ever hit me harder

[@aythatsme3607]

it used to be every 4 years. *baduts*

[@e-linamarie]

aythatsme that took me a second but BRO-

[@denissecarcamo6036]

12 and j just watched it for the first time

[@relaxhedx7064]

13 now

[@johnsmithee6660]

Heath...sometimes I miss you so much I can hardly stand it

[@TheMoonlight2887]

John Smithee Thanks for bursting my tear dam with that epic line! 😐😭😭😭😭

[@deannmajor809]

he said the same thing iin Brokeback mountain, im trying not to cry

[@valerievedette9542]

I paused the movie that moment and cried for a minute straight. I just watched it a few minutes ago and went to youtube to see Jake talking about Heath. Brokeback mountain by far wins in movies that have made me cry the most. I’m so fucking heartbroken.

[@Emmaa21]

😭😭

[@rubym6530]

@@valerievedette9542 me too, literally had to pause it i was crying so much

[@GChrisLovesSawyer]

you can tell he is sad and he is really trying to hide it.. :( if life wasn't so unfair there would be the two of them talking about this wonderful movie they played. Heath was so special and so lovely. I hope he found peace and one day they will meet again with his good friend. 💙

[@user-ez5cl5kc7j]

someday in a sunny summer their souls will meet on Brokeback Mountain

[@greatfun7316]

Brokeback Mountain...my favorite movie ever. I'm a straight woman and this is the greatest movie about love I've ever seen. Every detail is important! Watched it over and over again and still discovering . Always thinking that Jake is still undervalued in Hollywood though. Shame. He's a great actor and really friendly. What a nice speech!

[@angelaclifton7732]

I'm a hetero woman too and that's how described that movie to a lot of people. To me that's all it is....an amazing story of love!!

[@nicolegermany2772]

Great post.....r.i.p heath

[@williamdillard5060]

I'm a hetro, black, over 60 man and it's a great love story about two, very lonely, people just looking for love. I still have not told anyone how much I love this movie.

[@carolinae7966]

literally same! i watched it today again😭😭😭 and i’m dyingg

[@p.s.5]

Because no matter if you are hetero or not hetero: LOVE IS LOVE and will ever be! ❤

[@laurah2113]

he's so nervous It's so cute

[@ronf1352]

Bravely hiding the fact he must have missed Heath being there.

[@willcookmakeup]

You can visibly see how hard this speech was for Jake to make. Heath's death really was such an immense tragedy. As a member of the lbgtq+ community, I think their portrayal of queer romance as two straight men was by the most respectful and well done to this day.

[@cheesychick66]

Wow he's a great speaker

[@arimax888]

This was so heartbreaking as its clear he's sad because they were close friends. I wish all the best to jake and may he find happiness and great success

[@anapastori9876]

Finally Jake is talking about Heath OMG !!

[@angelflores151]

I literally cannot think about Heath Ledger's passing without crying. his death broke my heart 10 years ago & it breaks my heart until this day. he'll always be loved & remembered.. with my heart in pieces I say: he was gone way too soon & we never really deserved such beauty.

[@user-iy6zj1nu5t]

Can't believe literally no one mentions Ang Lee as a director here. Of course I love the two actors but Lee is such an underrated director in Hollywood. Probably bc he's Asian??

[@michaeljiang960]

Rich As F*ck Ang won two oscars for directing so not underrated, he is just such a humble person so you feel that way.

[@DC_10]

He mentioned "Ang" -- Ang Lee's first name, multiple times. Then the camera shot Ang Lee's face. You need to improve your English listening comprehension.

[@PowerDiva]

There are multiple interviews of Jake saying he took the role almost completely for the chance to work with Ang Lee. He didn't worry about the story or potential ramifications to his career - it was a chance to work with Ang Lee. There are many other actors who have made similar statements. I don't think he's underrated at all, just understated. All the people who are important seem to recognize his talent, even if the media doesn't necessarily focus on him. Which, it seems like he prefers.

[@psyrmc]

You people calm down. I think the first comment was talking about the comment section. Not so much talked about Ang...

[@p.s.5]

​@@michaeljiang960 how did he (Jake) said..A Master in silence?

[@kimhanree6679]

I am from 2020 and watching this right now and crying

[@random_girl._.]

Rip heath His joker taught us to hate and Ennis taught us the power of love.

[@theonionqueen3519]

After watching Brokeback for the first time last night, I was able to recognize the genius of Heath’s acting. How he was able to convey things with just the slightest change in facial expression.

[@patrickoriley2293]

Heath Ledger was a rare breed, fearless in his acceptance of roles and at the same time successful in his delivery to the point that it almost seemed like he was too good for this world. He gave so much to all of us and will forever be loved and missed.

[@kim8665]

He got taken away way too early 🕊️

[@olivialee5082]

I love ang’s reaction to this

[@p.s.5]

Almost a little bit shy

[@-cloudsaboveuscrying-6805]

Omg! Beautiful speech!💕 Rest in peace Heath.

[@flatearthgodsarenotreal]

Just watched their movie ( that released in 2005) in 2022 ,and I'm literally crying 😭 Heath died 3 years after this movie. Not to mention the "I wish I knew how to quit you" and " I'm like this because of you" lines RIP Heath Ledger

[@p.s.5]

I agree.

[@buttercupsthehotone1419]

2:21 that caught me way off guard😂😂😂😂

[@RickVietsub]

Ang looks like he's gonna cry.

[@Kristine_202]

I just found out that Heath, Jake, and Ewan McGregor were the final three choices for "Moulin Rouge." I've always considered "Moulin Rouge" to be one of the most perfectly cast films of all time. Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor are magic. Both Heath and Jake were bummed that they didn't get the part, but it led to Brokeback, which is also one of the most perfectly cast films ever. I feel like everything fell into place. Brokeback wouldn't be the masterpiece that it is without Jake and Heath.

[@Peace28275]

Yes, and by auditioning for Moulin Rouge, the friendship between the two began 😀

[@ElaineVilarinho]

he seemed so sad talking about heath i just wanted to hug him aaaaaaa.. i miss heath too :(

[@ilphi08]

Should've won the best picture Not "Crash", the Oscars bait

[@s.r.bhagat7749]

Yeap even Crash's team accepted that " Brokeback Mountain should have won for best picture. My all time favourite movie. I miss Heathy so much.

[@Jay-qm6uy]

RIP Heath But also, why are none of these comments about what an amazing director Ang Lee is.

[@p.s.5]

I think it was very very amazing and special to make the Film with him.

[@risitasfrance9020]

Two great actors. Heath Ledger always 100% involved in his characters 🙏

[@cosmicx5709]

his eyes are always talking.Very impressive

[@p.s.5]

Thats true and always warm hearted!

[@heavenonearth8462]

BBM, the most beautiful love story on film. It grabbed my heart and has not let go, nor do I want it to. Love to you Jake, you are a sweetheart as was Heath. It is unimaginable to think of two other actors cast in BBM. The hand of God was all over that project. Blessings to Ang Lee for his genius.

[@restlessroach]

i love this movie even more after i realized Ang was the director. he’s Taiwanese and i am too 🥺 and jake and heath are such great actors omg this is becoming one of my favorite movies

[@gigipo_]

Heath Is my inspiration and so is Jake I love this so much Rip. Heath Ledger Your an Angel

[@linajurgensen4698]

RIP Heath Ledger my favorite actor of all time.

[@hansmex2116]

I love that Jake and heath did love in real life but as best friends, and heath even choose Jake as the godparent of her daughter ❤️

[@blueskyabove4498]

Godparent*, but yeah he is🥺

[@hansmex2116]

@@blueskyabove4498 lmao thanks for the correction lol

[@garrytito2068]

Beautifully spoken.

[@joaniebrodeur9508]

This guys was really a good actor❤️I am proud of jake 'cause it's not easy to talk about that without be sad(sorry for my errors I am french😘)

[@weasley2o13]

Joanie Brodeur he is sad. Very much so. Showing your emotions is a huge strength. And he is one strong man.

[@heavenonearth8462]

Bien dit Joanie.

[@rayrothermel4861]

Fantastic speech. Jake is really a cut above in so many ways.

[@gainal9080]

Brokeback Mountain is such a trailblazer.

[@madhavnene2739]

It's is ideal frndship I understand n respect ur feelings Jake

[@billaparente9867]

It's really a good movie. I have a copy of Brokeback Mountain and i watched it repeatedly.

[@auroraborealis7415]

Love the whole cast, that movie was such a huge part of my youth and a huge part of me becoming who I am, truly grateful!

[@ledgehall]

Thinking about this film gives me a heartbreak all over again. Brokeback Forever.

[@aramarie3104]

Not only did he work with the legend, Heath... he got to intensely make out with him.

[@Bxwiestarman]

I know right Jake was lucky!💓😂

[@frettchengretchen1345]

miss Heath immeasurably Ennis was my favorite character ever!! ♡ Ang Lee....one of the greatest directors in our time!! Congratulations to such an amazing mastermind!!

[@rizkyakbar2185]

Gosh, I’m in tears. I never thought that this movie could change my life. But indeed it did change my whole life in a better way. Because of this movie I finally came out 8 years ago.

[@frederic3988]

Jack left us on screen while Ennis left us off screen.

[@maazcineedits]

Jake Gyllenhaal and heath could have make a great duo bromance friends wish 🙌

[@monsjodi2801]

damn jake and heath...

[@mariamrezk4453]

i love and miss heath ledger so much.

[@victoriakaloss3459]

I love Ang Lee's movies......

[@ririsasy]

Beautiful speech. :)

[@teamelisa6796]

Incredible film. It's been 11 years. OMG.

[@martinlarrivee5081]

Love this guy, so articulated

[@sophiem6050]

Love this speech. I miss Heath Ledger 💕

[@BB-lx7wm]

This movie was and is life changing. It opened up a whole new world. Ang was a master but his insight on how it all happened was magical and hilarious 😂💜

[@p.s.5]

Do you know him personal?

[@BB-lx7wm]

@@p.s.5 who are you talking about and why do you ask?

[@p.s.5]

@@BB-lx7wm Normally we read only things about Stars but you talking about Ang or Heath as if you know more personal things.. thats all😊

[@BB-lx7wm]

@@p.s.5 Good grief. Are you trolling, patrolling, etc? Not that I have to explain ANYTHING to you let me enlighten you. I was talking about how life changing it was FOR ME especially when I walked into the cinema with zero expectations and no idea of what the film was about! It changed my world. Then I watched an interview where Ang spoke of the magic of that movie and how all the elements of the actors and scenery came together synergistically. I have followed Jake's career nearly 20 years and met him once. No-one knows everything about anyone, not even yourself sometimes but you get a sense of what type of person that is. You, on the other hand, have shown me by your responses exactly who you are.

[@p.s.5]

@@BB-lx7wm Thank you! Now I understand better what you wanted to say. Im not trolling etc. The movie is one of the best movie Ive ever seen about love between two men and one of the most important . They are been so brillant in all scenes together..How was it to meet him (Jake) in real life? I guess he is a warm hearted and very kind person.

[@Grayment]

I‘m so depressed, I wished we could‘ve seen more of Heath 😔

[@philipsmith3084]

Such a wonderful film. You and Heath were so incredible. Thank you.

[@THATbitchBADbitch]

Omg....it's so lovely...couldn't control my tears. Love #Heath and #Jake

[@raegriffith]

imagine how sad he is cause heath isn’t there🙁

[@ler9029]

I love Jake❤

[@thomthom6268]

Not to diminish Heath; but imagine reacting to an actor [appropriately] giving you no emotion. In that way, Jake carried the movie. I think we see, ten years later, how connected Jake & Heath became. They weren't gay. But they were lovers. Once again, thanks Jake.

[@GreiyzVallejoKat]

That was the point of Enis del Mar character and that makes both of them, Heath and Jake two awesome and talented actors

[@ns1208]

Yes!! Thank you for saying that.everyone says jake was not great as heath.But dude! The chemistry part was all his doing.the love in jack's eyes for Ennis made the movie more beautiful!

[@p.s.5]

​@@ns1208 well said!

[@valmacclinchy]

​@@ns1208Jake received a well deserved BAFTA for his role. He is such a versatile actor.

[@psjche4292]

Ennis and Jake are together now.♡ I miss Heath so much.

[@9catlover]

this movie touched me so much

[@deanbeswick9561]

Heath would’ve been so proud of Jake if he was still alive and saw his performance in Far From Home.

[@user-pu2si1yl1k]

Oh don’t mind me, I’m just sobbing

[@enriquemartinez8524]

It is very difficult to be part of a very controversial unusual love story, but he has the balls to talk about it since Heath is no longer here. Great actor. RIP Heath L. 🙏

[@Peace28275]

Heath was extraordinary. Jake and Ang still miss him. Jake had a really rough time, apart from Michelle. Jake was told by his agent, Jake was filming Brothers and as soon as his agent told him, Jake passed out, lost consciousness on the set of Brothers. They had to call an ambulance. Jake and Heath met long before the movie, they both auditioned for Moulin Rouge, and they both made it to the final three, them and Ewan McGregor, they met there. Jake told it in Vanity Fair in 2018. They became best friends Jake is Matilda's godfather

[@p.s.5]

​@@Peace28275 Thats really hard! Poor Jake! Are you been at the set from brother? I only heard about that he is gone from the set for two days, after someone told him from Heath

[@Peace28275]

@@p.s.5 He was away for more days from what I've read. He went back to the two-day one, but they saw that he wasn't focused, so the director told him to stay longer. And although there are no photos, it seems that he was in Australia for Heath's send-off. No, I was not on the set of Brothers, but the film crew told the media what happened. Jake admired Heath so much that a few days earlier, while shooting the jail scene, Jake put up a picture of Heath dressed as Ennis, like inmates do with his loved ones.

[@p.s.5]

@@Peace28275 Thank you so much for your answer!

[@designerzimmizimmi]

I love you jake !

[@Udayveer51145]

I love Heath ledger ❤️❤️ he is a legend and always will be .

[@maazcineedits]

Huge respect for you Jake my man

[@PrankieWillSlay]

im crying so hard right now

[@Heisenberdy]

Imagine giving that same heartfelt speech today. You wouldn't be allowed to, because of that one heartfelt sentence.

[@clebyanasoares1277]

Heath will live in our hearts forever.

[@lissies6155]

Great speech! Thank you Jake💗 And Rest In Peace Heath ❤️

[@nansheart_9554]

Jake Gyllenhaal is so extra!!! He's phenomenal!!!! He's soooo good with everything plus dnt forget that he's sooooo "yummy-handsome"!!!! This is i know a very long overdue comment here but cnt help!!!

[@TheDfarhie]

God Rest you Heath. Great job Ang. Jake..what can I say, you are a wonderful man.

[@whitemustang8112]

It still hurts and I’m still crying!!! 😭😭

[@user-kj1pq6zh3x]

Beautiful speech

[@mattandjackwonderpotion]

Oh my lord 😄 "sooo gaaay" to watch this 2 days after watching the movie is a bit weird, because I cried a lot.. But now I can laugh again

[@rhys5567]

Jake is a hero. I miss heath. God bless me. Im super right wing; hard hard right. This is a beautiful story and beautiful film told by beautiful actors. The most beautiful story in how it is represented. A masterpiece. A favourite. I love it. Love is love. Love is kind and beautiful and gentle and pure. Love is the way, the guide, the path.

[@vanilla5245]

Heath🖤🖤✨

[@mistyblueeyes4024]

Well this made me cry.

[@suzycreamcheesez4371]

Apparently he was devastated. He's Matilda Rose Ledger's godfather

[@ramonpurugganan6865]

Mr Jake is one of those few reliable actors these days. I simply like him way back before this beautiful, touching and decently told gay film.

[@danimorales3023]

This made me tear up

[@ceciliacarpio7270]

Hermoso Jake!!!!

[@dangertoxc6559]

Heath

[@phantomalma6165]

I'm crying

[@MontyQueues]

ha oh he ha ha haha and i thought my jokes were bad then the joker comes on stage and everyone's like WTF HEATH LEDGER

[@ferdinandoalvarez3745]

Tem q fazer o segundo filme continuar a história...

[@MrFitfun]

The Movie was amazing ❤❤

[@Ed-Camp]

yes

[@pinkmenace6836]

why did this make me start sobbing

[@abihayes1294]

Jakeypie I love you

[@MegaDon000]

Wtf it been 10 years....still feel sad about the man who became my instant favorite in the joker role..had to bunk classes to watch the movie 😁😂..RIP....🙂

[@EvolveNUpgrading]

A gentleman

[@shawntyler3744]

Heath you'll be miss.

[@johnquinn6779]

Legend

[@tomek4224]

Brillant speach Jake, I like you very much☀️