I have a couple of questions about Academy Awards (please see details below)?

The only previous posthumous Oscar for an acting performance was awarded to Peter Finch in 1977, for his performance in the movie "Network". Finch was known for having a bad heart, and finally died of a heart attack while on tour to promote the movie. The Oscar was accepted by his widow. There is a list of posthumous Oscar nominees and winners in all categories below. And, yes, I feel that a performance should be rewarded regardless of the survival of the nominee. Both Finch and Ledger deserved their awards.