Icelandic Sheepdog Triumphs at Cannes with ‘Palm Dog’ Award, No Scenery Chewed!

The 25th annual Palm Dog awards in Cannes celebrated the incredible talents of canine stars, showcasing their performances alongside their human counterparts. Under the Plage du Festival tent, attendees enjoyed wine while the four-legged entertainers soaked up the spotlight at this unique award ceremony, which is a playful nod to Cannes’ prestigious Palme d’Or. This year’s top honoree was Panda, an Icelandic sheepdog, who captivated audiences with her role in “The Love That Remains,” directed by Hlynur Palmason.

Panda, who is also Palmason’s pet, delivered a remarkable performance that was far from nepotism, as she played an integral role in a story centering on a family navigating parental separation. Although Panda could not attend the ceremony in person, a lookalike named Lola accepted the award on her behalf and posed for photos with children. Wendy Mitchell, a member of the Palm Dog jury, expressed that Panda was awarded the grand prize for her vital presence in the film, participating in hikes, car rides, and visits to the mother’s art studio.

Despite the stiff competition, Mitchell emphasized Panda’s centrality to the family narrative. In lieu of a personal acceptance speech, Panda’s team submitted a recorded message showcasing her receiving the award: a shiny red bandana labeled “Palm Dog 2025.” Producer Anton Mani Svansson humorously remarked that Panda may not fully comprehend her award, but he anticipates that she will enjoy wearing the bandana.

In addition to Panda, other furry performers were also recognized. Pipa, a Jack Russell, and Lupita, a Podenco mix, earned the Grand Jury Prize for their roles in “Sirat,” a film about a father searching for his missing daughter in the Moroccan desert. Additionally, the dachshund Hippo received a special “Mutt Moment” prize for his standout scene in “Pillion.”

Palm Dog founder Toby Rose affirmed that these dogs truly deserve an equal share of the spotlight along with their human co-stars.