Cannes may have been postponed this year, but The Palm Dog Wamiz, the annual award for best film performance by a canine, has celebrated its 20th anniversary in virtual style by crowning Uggie, star of the Oscar-winning 2011 film The Artist, with the Palm Dog of Palm Dogs Award.
During the global lockdown, the Palm Dog jury has been poring (pawing?) over the nineteen previous Palm Dog winners – to award the ultimate big screen canine performance of the last 20 years.
“Uggie would be very proud of that and we will keep this forever,” said Omar von Muller, owner of the late Uggie, who passed away in 2015. “[Uggie’s kennel mate] Dash will be honoured to wear it for Uggie. Palm Dog will always have a special place in our hearts because this award was where it all began for Uggie and The Artist.”
“Palm Dog was inspired by my Fox Terrier, born in the Champagne region of France, who went by the name of Mutt,” said Palm Dog founder Toby Rose. “He has since gone to kennel heaven but lives on through the world’s foremost and paw-most awards for dogs on the big screen. A huge heartfelt thank you to all the actors and directors who have embraced the award and at times risking their credibility – but the love of dogs was irresistible. And an extra special shout out to the jury who have thrown kudos the way of canines.”
You can watch the virtual Palm Dog of Palm Dog Awards here.
SEE ALSO: Man’s Best Friend: The Top 10 Dog Movies
What’s your favourite canine performance in a movie? Is Uggie top dog? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below or on our social channels @FlickeringMyth…
Originally published May 30, 2020. Updated December 10, 2022.
