The best dog actors in Hollywood (10 photos)

While Hollywood stars wait years for recognition from the Film Academy, Cannes has been playing host to its own, highly emotional story for a quarter of a century. The Palm Dog Award is the most prestigious independent film award for canine actors. It was created in 2001 by British journalist Toby Rose. According to its rules, an international jury of respected film critics evaluates not just a cute appearance on camera, but a dog's genuine performance, charisma, and impact on the plot. The winner receives not a statuette, but a luxurious leather collar with the inscription "Palm Dog." Over the past 10 years, the award has been given to both professional dog actors and former strays. Let's take a look back at the winners.

2016 — Nellie





For her role as Marvin in the film "Patterson."

In the film, the charming English bulldog tests the patience of the main character (Adam Driver) every day. He grumbled hilariously, resisted on walks, jealously watched his owners' kisses, and committed the plot's ultimate act of terrorism: he chewed up a priceless notebook containing Patterson's praises and poems. Nellie won the award posthumously (she passed away shortly before the premiere), becoming a perennial favorite of the Cannes press.

2017 — Einstein



For her role in the film "The Meyerowitz Stories."

2018 — The entire dog cast





For her role in the film "Dogman."

If we're going to give awards, then give them all. In Matteo Garrone's dark drama about a gentle dog groomer, the four-legged actors (from tiny Chihuahuas to enormous mastiffs) created a unique atmosphere. They acted as silent therapists for the main character, patiently enduring haircuts, empathizing with him, and in one scene, literally saving their owner, demonstrating miracles of team loyalty.

2019 — Sayuri



For her role as Brandy in the film "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood."

According to the plot, a dog is not just a pet, but the perfect weapon of defense. The dog flawlessly performed the most complex tricks (including a hilarious feeding ritual, strictly according to the sound of a clicker) and staged a spectacular, furious rout of the Manson cultists at the film's finale. Quentin Tarantino personally came on stage to collect the collar, declaring that Sayuri was a stunning actress.

The award was not presented in 2020 due to the pandemic.

2021 — Rosie, Dora, and Snowball



For her role in "The Souvenir: Part 2."

2022 — Britney



For his role as Beast in the film "War Pony."

2023 — Messi



For his role as Snoop in the film "Anatomy of a Fall."

Border collie Messi became the biggest global superstar of 2023, playing a guide dog in a courtroom drama. Snoop is a key witness to a tragedy and the only understanding companion for a visually impaired boy. Messi's on-screen performance went beyond that of a typical trained dog: the scene where his character suffers severe aspirin poisoning (with a glassy gaze, protruding tongue, and complete immobility) brought tears to the eyes of the entire Cannes audience. It was a pure cinematic triumph.

2024 — Cody



For his role as Cosmos in the film "Dog Business."

Mixed-breed Cody played the starring role of a dog on trial for biting a man. The charming Cody held the spotlight throughout the film. He had to play out complex emotions in the courtroom, demonstrating loyalty, sadness, and fear of possible euthanasia. Critics noted that Cody out-acted many of the characters in this film, displaying incredibly humanized facial expressions.

2025 — Panda



For his role in the film "Love That Remains."

2026 — Yuri



For his role in the Spanish film "Dog."