The Palm Dog Awards once again stole the spotlight at Cannes, offering a playful contrast to the festival’s usual glamour. Now in its 25th year, the lighthearted ceremony dedicated to celebrating canine contributions to cinema drew an enthusiastic crowd to the Plage du Festival tent along the Croisette. Guests sipped wine while mingling with a range of four-legged stars, who appeared both excited and bemused by the attention and spontaneous stage antics, which included barking and rolling about.
This year’s coveted red bandana, embroidered with “Palm Dog 2025,” went to Panda, an Icelandic sheepdog featured in the Icelandic family drama The Love That Remains, directed by Hlynur Pálmason. Although Panda couldn’t attend in person, she accepted the award via video message. The dog, who also happens to be the director’s own pet, was praised for her integral presence in the film—accompanying the family on hikes, car rides, and even to the mother’s art studio.
Producer Anton Máni Svansson shared that Panda is blissfully unaware of her newfound fame, but he’s confident she’ll appreciate the stylish bandana. “She’s a real earthbound star,” he said. Jury member Wendy Mitchell highlighted Panda’s emotional importance within the film, noting that she truly sits at the heart of the story.
The Grand Jury Prize went to two more scene-stealing canines: Pipa, a Jack Russell, and Lupita, a Podenco mix, who feature prominently in Sirat, a film by French-Spanish director Oliver Laxe. The story follows a father and son through the Moroccan desert, with the dogs playing loyal companions on the journey.
Additional recognition came in the form of the “Mutt Moment” award, given to Hippo, a dachshund, and a rottweiler for their unforgettable scene in Pillion, a film led by Alexander Skarsgård. Director Harry Lighton accepted the honor with humor, declaring, “Hippo carries the film on her little legs. She’s the true dom of Pillion.”
Palm Dog founder Toby Rose reflected on the significance of the awards, often questioned for spotlighting dogs in cinema. His response is simple: if actors like Jack Nicholson can be honored for their standout roles, so too can dogs. “When the camera is on them and they deliver in their role, they shine just as brightly,” he said.
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