CANNES, FRANCE — May 24, 2025 — A four-legged star stole hearts and headlines at this year’s Cannes Film Festival, as an Icelandic sheepdog named Panda won the coveted 2025 Palm Dog award for her role in the film The Love That Remains. Though Panda was unable to attend the ceremony herself, a look-alike canine accepted the prize on her behalf, adding a whimsical note to an already beloved Cannes tradition.
A Heartfelt Performance in a Family Drama
Panda’s breakout role in The Love That Remains, a poignant and semi-autobiographical drama directed by Hlynur Pálmason, captured the attention of critics and audiences alike. The film, which centers on the emotional fallout of a family dealing with a painful separation, blends humor and heartbreak. Panda, playing herself, features prominently as a silent observer and comforting presence amid the family’s turmoil.
Her performance is hailed not just for technical obedience or charm but for a subtle emotional presence that seamlessly enhances the narrative. In the words of the jury, Panda wasn’t just a sidekick—she was the emotional glue holding the characters together.
The film also stars Pálmason’s real-life children, lending the story an added layer of intimacy and realism. With long, snowy Icelandic landscapes providing a stark backdrop, Panda’s warm and loyal demeanor offers a striking contrast that grounds the film in everyday tenderness.
A Unique Canine Celebration
Now in its 25th year, the Palm Dog Award has become a cherished side event at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival. Created to honor the best canine performances in cinema, the award has evolved into a lively and heartwarming tradition. The ceremony typically takes place during the festival’s second week, featuring film buffs, critics, and dog lovers united in admiration for cinematic canines.
Winners of the Palm Dog receive a custom red collar or bandana emblazoned with “Palm Dog,” a lighthearted yet sincere tribute that dog lovers and cinephiles have come to revere. Previous recipients include Brandy from Once Upon a Time in Hollywood and Messi, the border collie from Anatomy of a Fall.
This year’s celebration featured an added surprise when Panda’s look-alike trotted up to accept the prize, tail wagging and posing obligingly for the cameras. The moment captured the playful spirit of the Palm Dog ceremony, reminding festival-goers of the joy and unpredictability that animals bring to both life and art.
More Canine Talent Recognized
While Panda took home the top prize, she wasn’t the only pup honored. The Grand Jury Prize was awarded to two dogs—Pipa, a sprightly Jack Russell, and Lupita, a loyal Podenco mix—for their roles in Sirât, a drama set in the Moroccan desert. The two dogs accompany a father and son on a harrowing journey, providing comfort, direction, and moments of unexpected levity.
Another crowd favorite, Hippo the dachshund, shared the Mutt Moment Award with a rottweiler companion for their eccentric but memorable performance in Pillion, a gritty drama exploring themes of identity and rebellion within a biker subculture. According to the film’s director, Hippo not only held her own but dominated the screen—“the true dom of the film,” he joked.
Continuing a Legacy of Canine Excellence
The Palm Dog Award began as an offbeat addition to Cannes but has steadily gained traction as a meaningful nod to the importance of animal actors. Unlike the more traditional Palme d’Or, which honors cinematic artistry among humans, the Palm Dog brings attention to a class of performers who often go unrecognized yet are indispensable to many films.
Dog actors bring depth, authenticity, and relatability, especially in emotionally charged narratives. Whether offering comic relief, emotional support, or simply a loyal presence, their contributions transcend dialogue.
As the 2025 Cannes Film Festival draws to a close, Panda’s red-bandana moment serves as a heartwarming reminder of cinema’s capacity to connect us—not just through dazzling visuals or dramatic performances, but through shared affection for the creatures who enrich our lives, on-screen and off.
By Zachary Fields, Senior Correspondent
