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Sentiment has been running rampant on the Web that Heath Ledger should win an Oscar for his role as the Joker in "The Dark Knight."

But as Oscar watchers remind us, only one actor in history has won an Oscar postumously, and that is Peter Finch in 1976 for his role in "Network."

Considering former industry heavyweights like Spencer Tracy, Marilyn Monroe and James Dean were passed over, you can see the slight possibility that Ledger could win an award.

It's especially telling for Spencer Tracy, who was the leading contender for the Oscar in 1967 for "Guess Who's Coming To Dinner?" but didn't win.

Tom O'Neil, a columnist for award-watching Web site The Envelope.com, said, "That's how reluctant Oscar voters are to hug the dead. These awards are all about hugs and there's something creepy about embracing the dead."

O'Neil added concerning being nominated "it really looks good" but to win the award is "a long shot."

Another factor to consider, is the type of film Ledger starred in is also a negative in an industry reluctant to award roles in action films based on comic books.

I also think the hype is coming at the wrong time of year, and any chance of it continuing on through Oscar season is pretty slim. We'll see a bump in activity as Internet spammers attempt to influence the process, but it's highly unlikely it'll end up coming to pass.

It's possible that Ledger won't even be nominated, let alone win.