I hate to be the pessimistic one but someone was bound to say this sooner or later, I haven't seen it personally and I cant really comment on his acting skills, but I do believe people are blowing this far out of proportion, for saying its the best acting performance in a film yaddy yadda. Just trying to decide would it be such a big deal if he didn't kill himself? The hype for this film is un real, and I think its personally crazy saying its the best acting performance in a film someone should watch the monolouge of Valerie from v for vendetta and watch the performance of Nataie Portman as "Evie" She did a breathtaking performance throughout the whole film and never won an oscar.
I do hope they treat this just as if he never died, as its not fair on other performers. But it is possible he can win one, people that have passed away have won many awards before. I will pass more comment on this when I see the film but reviews I have heard from people is that its hyped far too much.
Link to the monolouge I mentioned:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B0lYIBjCpco