Dogs steal the spotlight at Cannes | Global News

The Cannes Film Festival has gone to the dogs this year, quite literally. From Messi, the border collie correspondent, to Felicity, the rescued Samoyed in a custom-made gown, and even Demi Moore’s chihuahua Pilaf, canines have been stealing the spotlight on and off the red carpet.

But the real stars of the show are Kodi and Xin, the canine co-stars of two films competing in the Un Certain Regard section. In “Dog on Trial,” Kodi, a griffon, plays Cosmos, an aggressive dog facing legal action, while Xin, a Jack Russell-greyhound cross, stars alongside Taiwanese superstar Eddie Peng in “Gou Zhen” (“Black Dog”).

Peng, who adopted Xin after filming ended, credits her with changing his outlook on life and acting. He praises dogs for their truthfulness and presence, saying they have taught him valuable lessons about living in the moment and being authentic.

As the Palm Dog award ceremony approaches, both Kodi and Xin are strong contenders for the prestigious prize. Toby Rose, the creator of the Palm Dog award, hints at a “vintage Palm Dog year” with the impressive lineup of canine talent at this year’s festival.

In the end, it seems that the real winners of Cannes are not the human actors, but their loyal canine companions who have captured the hearts of audiences and celebrities alike. Perhaps in the future, as Peng jokes, he may just become an agent for Xin and let her bask in the adoration of fans.