Canine stars compete for Cannes' Palm Dog

[May 26, 2012]  CANNES, France (AP) -- Move over, Brad Pitt and Nicole Kidman. The Cannes Film Festival's four-legged stars are in the spotlight with the contest for the event's best canine performance.

The Palm Dog prize was awarded Friday to Smurf and Ged, two terriers from twisted British comedy "Sightseers." The runner-up was Billy Bob, companion of an aging punk rocker in French film "Le Grand Soir."

The judges spurned several high-profile performances, including dogs who meet violent ends in Wes Anderson's "Moonrise Kingdom" and Thomas Vinterberg's "The Hunt."

Organizer Toby Rose said the strong contest reflected the "high canine quotient" at Cannes.

Now in its 12th year, the unofficial award was founded as a homage to the festival's main prize, the Palme d'Or.

Last year's winner was Jack Russell terrier Uggle from "The Artist."

[Associated Press; By JILL LAWLESS]

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