Panda, an Icelandic sheepdog, received the highest award for his moving performance in the film “The Last of the Dogmen” by director Hlynur Pálmason at the 25th edition of the Palm Dog Awards. This iconic event on the Croisette takes place the day before the Palme d’Or is awarded.
On Friday, May 23, at 1 p.m., at La Plage du Festival, you can hear happy barking. And for good reason, our four-legged friends are the stars of the Croisette today! Dog lovers, film buffs, and journalists are all in attendance. Some are accompanied by their pets. The atmosphere is joyful and relaxed, but that doesn’t mean there’s no room for glamour. All the participants are eager to find out who will be the lucky winner of the 25th edition of the Palm Dog, organized by the media outlet Woopets.
Presented the day before the Palme d’Or, the Palm Dog (an amusing play on words where a single letter is replaced) may raise a smile, but it is a very serious award! Just like famous actors, dogs are also entitled to their Palme d’Or. The Palm Dog rewards a canine performance on the big screen. It’s not such a far-fetched idea, as many films feature one or more dogs in their storylines. Who doesn’t remember the emotional film Lassie and its many remakes? A global success!
A feature film with a canine star requires prior casting, learning abilities… and enormous patience during the shooting sequences.
It was Toby Rose, an eccentric British journalist, who came up with the original idea of creating the Palm Dog 25 years ago to honor the talent of his fox terrier, Mutt. For this new edition, he sets the scene: “We are paying tribute to four-legged animals so that they can express themselves before the long dresses and tuxedos take over.”
Anthony Pruvost has been the very discreet owner of the Palm Dog since 2023. Based in Arras, he is the founder of Woopets, the French media outlet dedicated to pets, with Alexandre Dieu as its editor-in-chief. The platform features daily news, expert advice, practical guides, and information sheets on different breeds.
Anthony Pruvost explains: “This ceremony raises awareness of animal welfare while highlighting the important place they hold in cinema and in our daily lives. In addition to the performance, the jury examines the filming conditions, during which the physical and psychological well-being of the dog is a priority.”
So it was Panda (same name off screen) who won the 2025 Palm Dog. He stood out for his remarkable performance in the drama “The Love That Remains” (Astin Sem Eftir Er, in the original version) by director Hlynur Pálmason, 40, born in Reykjavik. A source of pride for the forty-something who cast his own dog alongside his children! Panda was undoubtedly made to feel at ease by being in his usual environment, which would explain his exceptional performance.
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Featured photo: Presentation of the Palm Dog to Panda on May 23, 2025, with Toby Rose, creator of the award, Anthony Pruvost, founder of Woopets, and the members of the jury. ©Corine Moriou
