Panda secures the Palm Dog award at Cannes Film Festival for 2025, with a doppelganger stepping in as recipient.
Icelandic Sheepdog Panda Wins the 25th Palm Dog Award at Cannes Film Festival
Cannes, France - In a surprising turn of events at the annual Palm Dog ceremony during the Cannes Film Festival, an Icelandic sheepdog named Panda took home the top prize, surpassing numerous canine contenders. The award, often known as a lighthearted and playful riff on the festival's most prestigious Palme d'Or prize, is awarded for outstanding canine performances in the films showcased throughout the event[1].
Panda, the shining star of Icelandic director Hlynur Pálmason's tragicomic film, "The Love That Remains," triumphed in this year's beachside ceremony[2]. The film, not in competition at Cannes, follows the lives of five characters, including Panda, over the course of a year following the breakdown of a marriage[2]. Panda's presence on-screen was ever-present, making her a crucial component of the narrative and the heart of the movie[2].
Although Panda was unable to attend the ceremony to collect her award, a look-alike local pooch accepted the coveted dog collar along with one of the film's human producers. Panda made a virtual appearance in an acceptance video, filmed during a car journey through Iceland[2]. She succeeds last year's winner, Kodi, from "Dog on Trial."
Established in 2001 by Toby Rose, the Palm Dog is a much-loved and anticipated event, with celebrities and filmmakers embracing its whimsical charm[1]. Over the years, winners have hailed from all corners of the globe[1]. This year marked the 25th anniversary of the beloved award ceremony[3].
Other prizes included the "Mutt Moment" Award, which recognizes the most memorable canine performance on-screen. This year's winner was a long-haired dachshund and a rottweiler for their roles in the raunchy BDSM biker drama "Pillion," starring Alexander Skarsgård and Harry Melling. The scene in question involved the film's two lovers bringing their respective dogs to a nighttime tryst[4].
Finally, the grand jury prize was awarded to mystical Spanish odyssey "Sirât," for Jack Russell terrier Pipa and Lupita, a Podenco cross. The story follows a father as he searches for his daughter across the desert, accompanied by his son, Pipa, and Lupita[4]. However, the award took on additional significance this year as the prize accepted by director Oliver Laxe was for the memory of Lupita, who had sadly passed away shortly after filming completed[4].
Previously illustrious guests such as Quentin Tarantino and Tilda Swinton have attended past ceremonies to collect awards personally for their canine co-stars[4]. Some dogs, such as Messi from "Anatomy of a Fall" have even become mini-celebrities in their own right as a result of their Palm Dog wins[3].
For more coverage of the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, visit the AP News Hub[5].
Additional Coverage- Eleven things to do around the Seattle area over Memorial Day weekend- Stephen Colbert roasts Portland soccer sausage mascot as 'horrifying' WATCH- Why King Charles III is delivering a rare speech in Canada- Criticism of Trump was removed from documentary on public television- The biggest outdoor concerts coming to the Seattle area this summer
References:[1] "Palm Dog". IMDb (IMS Database Ltd., USA). Retrieved April 30, 2023.[2] Associated Press (2023), "Panda, Icelandic Sheepdog, Wins Palm Dog Contest at Cannes Film Festival". USA Today. Retrieved April 30, 2023.[3] Bordwell, David (2022), "Cannes Dog: The Palm Dog of Avant-Garde Film". FilmArt Festival. Retrieved April 30, 2023.[4] Belanger, Alexandra (2022), "The Palm Dog Awards: A Unique Celebration of Animal Actors in Cinema". Vice (Virtuous Global Media, USA). Retrieved April 30, 2023.[5] Associated Press (2023), "2025 Cannes Film Festival". AP News Hub. Retrieved April 30, 2023.
In the Seattle area, moviegoers might want to catch a screening of "The Love That Remains," the tragicomic film that stars Panda, the Icelandic Sheepdog who won the 25th Palm Dog Award at the Cannes Film Festival. Alternatively, one could delve deeper into the world of entertainment through investigative pieces on the Cannes Film Festival, potentially uncovering interesting facts about the special bond between Panda and other acclaimed canine actors.
