| Joy the Chihuaha enjoying being top dog Photo: Ilona Morison |
Matteo Garrone's crime drama Dogman, lived up to its title by getting its paws on the Palm Dog in Cannes yesterday.
The prize, awarded to the best dog in competition at the festival since 2001, was given to the four-legged cast of the drama, which follows a dog groomer's descent into crime. Joy the Chihuahua, who has a close shave of the wrong sort in the film, collared the prize. Joy's co-star Marcello Fonte, was on hand to celebrate.
The Grand Jury Prize went to Diamantino, a football satire which features a cast of CGI-created “fluffy puppies” and has already scooped the Critics' Week prize.
A special jury prize was also given to three security dogs - two-year-old Lilou, Glock, four, and Even, seven.
Palm Dog founder Toby Rose said: “This award salutes all the dogs around the world who are involved in the fight against terrorism.
“In recent days we have been reminded of the work, often unsung, they do to help protect us all."
Writer Vanessa Davies and her pet pug were also been honoured with the Palm Dogmanitarian Award for inspiring Disney film Patrick, which will be released on June 29.
| Joy not too keen on sharing the limelight with her co-star Marcello Photo: Ilona Morison |
Rose added: “It’s a wonderful real life story and a worthy winner of the Palm Dogmanitarian Award, which celebrates the bond between canines and humans."