The Dogs Were Impressive Once Again at Cannes

The Cannes Film Festival is known for showcasing the best in cinema, but this year, it’s not just the human stars stealing the spotlight. Messi, the canine hero of last year’s Palme d’Or-winning film “Anatomy of a Fall,” was spotted practicing his red carpet walk at the Grand Lumière Theater.

Accompanied by his owner and trainer, Laura Martin Contini, Messi was preparing for his new talk show, “Messi: The Cannes Film Festival From a Dog’s Eye View.” The series of shorts for French TV will feature Messi interviewing talent using the voice of a human actor.

The presence of Messi at the festival highlights the fact that Cannes loves dogs. Demi Moore, star of this year’s film “The Substance,” even brought her Chihuahua, Pilaf, to a photo call. As Messi went through his paces, onlookers outside the barricades couldn’t resist snapping photos of the adorable pooch.

The Palm Dog Award, given annually to the premier canine performer, was awarded to Messi last year, solidifying his status as a festival favorite. The founder of the Palm Dog, Toby Rose, explained that Cannes is a dog-friendly place, with dogs welcomed in restaurants, unlike in some other countries.

The Palm Dog has become a prestigious award in the film industry, with winning dogs becoming integral parts of their films. This year, films like “Dog on Trial” and “Black Dog” feature significant canine roles, with their four-legged stars making appearances at the festival alongside their human counterparts.

As the festival continues, more dogs are expected to make appearances, showcasing their talents on the red carpet. Messi, in particular, is set to make a grand entrance, flouting the strict dress code with his natural charm and charisma.

So, as the Cannes Film Festival celebrates the best in cinema, it’s clear that dogs like Messi are also making their mark in the spotlight, proving that they are truly man’s best friend in the world of entertainment.