The Palm Dog Award is a yearly alternative award presented by the international film critics during the Cannes Film Festival. Begun in 2001 by Toby Rose, it is awarded to the best performance by a canine (live or animated) or group of canines during the festival. The award consists of a leather dog collar with the term "PALM DOG". The name of the award is a play on words of the Palme d'Or, the festival's highest honor.
First reported in June 2002, the Palm Dog has been reported by major news outlets around the world, including Financial Times Deutschland, Sydney Morning Herald, The New York Times, the BBC, the Los Angeles Times, and ABC News. In 2012 the judges for the Palm Dog were The Times chief film critic Kate Muir, The Daily Telegraph's Robbie Collin, The Guardian's Peter Bradshaw and Heat Magazine's Charles Gant.
The following are list of recipients and nominees of the Palm Dog. Winners are in bold:
2001
Otis from The Anniversary Party. Jennifer Jason Leigh, director of the film, accepted the award in person.
Leo as Delgado in Large
2002
Tähti as Hannibal in The Man Without a Past
Jack Russell Sonny (aka George) in Mystics
2003
Moses in Dogville
Bruno in The Triplets of Belleville
2004
All dogs in the film Mondovino
Acrobatic dog in Life Is a Miracle
2005
Bruno in The Cave of the Yellow Dog
The "faithful little West Highland Terrier" in The Adventures of Greyfriars Bobby
2006
Mops in Marie Antoinette
Schumann, a Riesenschnauzer, in Pingpong
2007
For the first time, the Palm Dog was awarded in a tie:
All strays dogs in Mid Road Gang
Yuki in Persepolis
2008
For the first time, the Palm Dog award was awarded unanimously:
Lucy in Wendy and Lucy
In addition, a special Jury Prize was given to Molly in O' Horten.
2009
Dug in Up
Talking fox in Antichrist
Black poodle in Inglourious Basterds
2010
Boss in Tamara Drewe
A special Jury Prize was given to Vuk in Le Quattro Volte.
2011
Uggie in The Artist
A special Jury Prize was given to Laika in Le Havre.
2012
Banjo and Poppy in Sightseers
A special Jury Prize was given to Billy Bob in Le Grand Soir
2013
Baby Boy in Behind the Candelabra
2014
The canine cast of White God
2015
Lucky the Maltipoo in Arabian Nights
Grand Jury Prize – Bob from The Lobster
Palm DogManitarian award – I Am a Soldier
2016
Nellie in Paterson
Jacques in In Bed with Victoria
Palm DogManitarian award – Ken Loach