Each May, the Cannes Film Festival dazzles with cinematic masterpieces and glittering premieres. Yet, nestled amidst the tuxedos and camera flashes is a wonderfully offbeat tradition: the Palm Dog, a coveted collar awarded to the year’s most memorable canine performance. In 2024, the award’s story is especially heartwarming, reminding us that sometimes the brightest stars on the French Riviera have fur and four paws.
Publisher|Woopets (Palm Dog award administrator)
Release Date|Annually at Cannes Film Festival (2024 winner: Kodi)
Genres|Film award, Canine acting, Festival culture
Platforms|Cannes Film Festival, Film industry
What began in 2001 as a cheeky nod by British critic Toby Rose has become a beloved Cannes ritual. Now under the stewardship of Woopets and supported by Dogamì, the Palm Dog’s jury is a pack of international journalists who scrutinize more than just adorable faces—they look for nuanced performances, real chemistry with human actors, and, crucially, ethical standards for animal welfare on set.
This year’s scene-stealer? Kodi, a nine-year-old Griffon mix whose own life could inspire a script: once a stray in Narbonne, Kodi was adopted by trainer Juliette Roux-Merveille, who spent months teaching him more than 100 unique actions for his lead role in Lætitia Dosch’s Le Procès du chien. Whether responding to kitten meows or emoting with a single bark, Kodi’s turn reminds us that great animal acting is a genuine craft—one easily overlooked in the age of CGI critters.
Kodi now joins a legendary list of canine Cannes royalty. Uggie the Jack Russell charmed the world in The Artist; Marvin the bulldog brought gravitas to Paterson; Messi the Border Collie (a.k.a. Snoop from Anatomy of a Fall) even landed international talk show appearances. Clearly, for some dogs, fame goes well beyond the festival’s red carpet.
The Palm Dog continues a tradition that began with the PATSY Awards and Pawscars, spotlighting the importance—and vulnerability—of animal performers. Today, the jury’s focus on humane training and ethical treatment reflects a wider industry shift. Yet, debates persist: animal advocacy groups argue that even the kindest film sets can cause canine stress, sparking discussions about the future of live animal acting versus digital stand-ins.
As technology advances and audiences crave authenticity, the future of animal awards may depend on tighter guidelines and shifting cultural attitudes. Will the Palm Dog remain a beloved oddity, or could it spark real change in how cinema treats its furry talent? For now, one thing’s certain: Kodi’s win is a celebration of partnership, protection, and the undeniable charisma of our canine co-stars.
TL;DR: The Palm Dog at Cannes honors outstanding canine acting. In 2024, Kodi—a rescue star of Le Procès du chien—won the prize, spotlighting both performance and the growing importance of animal welfare in film.
Source: Woopets via GamesPress