i thought he was really good in the Dark Knight.in my opinion of course.but i also thought some of his older movies were pretty good, like Candy, so that also, obviously, effects my decision.so i do think he deserved the Oscar, because he was really good.but his death probably did have an impact and make it a secure, prominent choice for him to win.all this in my opinion of course.but the Tupac reference, i don't like tupac, so death doesn't really change my perception of the acting/singing/rapping.whatever talent.