The China Mail - Fur-st prize for Icelandic sheepdog at Cannes canine competition

The "Palm Dog" -- a play on the Palme d'Or which will be awarded to the best film on Saturday -- is a light-hearted celebration of mutts in front of the camera, which is now in its 25th year.

Icelandic director Hlynur Palmason cast his own pet, Panda, in "The Love That Remains", his poignant story about a couple navigating a separation and the impact on their family.

"This film that has won is about a family and it's so beautiful and so authentic to the vibe of a family," Palm Dog jury member Wendy Mitchell, author of the book "Citizen Canine", told reporters.

Mitchell praised "a wonderful naturalistic performance from this dog", addressing a crowd of influencers, pet lovers and journalists at a beach-front venue in Cannes.

The decision was greeted with cheers and barking, while Palmason sent a video of Panda looking bemused on the front seat of his car as the win was announced.

The second Grand Jury prize went jointly to two pooches who appear in rave-themed road trip movie "Sirat", including one that eats an LSD-laced poo.

Past Palm Dog winners have included Brandy from "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood". That award was picked up by director Quentin Tarantino.

Tilda Swinton accepted the prize in 2021 on behalf of her real-life dogs for their roles in "The Souvenir".

P.Deng--ThChM