At this year's Cannes Film Festival in May, a dog named Messi captured the attention of numerous media outlets. This Border Collie, who also graced the Oscars earlier, rose to fame through Justine Triet's film, Anatomy of a Fall, garnering global acclaim.
Messi in Anatomy of a Fall
Anatomy of a Fall, directed by Justine Triet and written by Triet and Arthur Harari, stars Sandra Hüller and Swann Arlaud. The film premiered at the 76th Cannes Film Festival on May 21, 2023.
In 2023, Anatomy of a Fall won the prestigious Palme d'Or at Cannes and was named one of the Top Ten Films of 2023 by the Atlanta Film Critics Circle. In January 2024, it also received the Golden Globe Award for Best Foreign Language Film.
Messi plays a guide dog for a visually impaired child, highlighting pets' significant role in human lives. Though not a pet-centric film, Messi's presence adds a layer of warmth and depth, showcasing the emotional and practical support pets provide.
Before starring in Anatomy of a Fall, Messi had only appeared in a few French commercials for pet food, short films, and music videos. According to Messi's owner, Laura, this film was Messi's breakout role and his "one chance to prove himself."
Messi's role is pivotal, providing emotional support and advancing the plot. His performance conveyed physical and emotional pain, a testament to the strong bond and communication between Messi and his trainer.
The filming process was demanding. Messi had to interact frequently with Sandra and the child actor and even portray a deceased dog, which required significant effort from both Messi and the crew. For instance, the first scene involved Messi chasing a ball down the stairs and looking at the protagonist. The ball was coated with glue to slow its descent, and this shot took nearly 30 takes to perfect.
Awards
On May 26, 2023, Messi was awarded the Palm Dog Award for the best canine performance, solidifying his reputation. He also received other accolades for his performance in Anatomy of a Fall.
| Year | Award / Festival | Category | Work | Result |
| 2023 | Cannes Film Festival | Palm Dog Award | Anatomy of a Fall | Won |
| 2024 | Q d'or | Best Dog | Won | |
| Fido Awards | Mutt Moment | Won | ||
| Best in World | Won |
Messi at the Oscar Nominees Luncheon
On February 7, 2024, Messi and his owner flew from France to Los Angeles for the annual Oscar Nominees Luncheon. Messi was a sensation, mingling with Hollywood stars like Ryan Gosling and Billie Eilish. However, according to The Hollywood Reporter, Messi was complained about by other nominees for overshadowing human actors and was initially barred from attending the March 10 awards ceremony. Despite this, Messi participated at the Oscars and even had his VIP seat.
Oscars' VIP (Very Important Pup)
On March 10, Messi attended the Oscars with a dedicated seat. Hours before the ceremony, Jimmy Kimmel posted a video on Instagram of him rehearsing jokes with Messi. During the announcement of Best Supporting Actor, Messi "applauded" Robert Downey Jr. with his paw, assisted by a staff member, showcasing his star power.
Happy Birthday, Dear Messi
On April 5, Messi's owner, Laura, celebrated his 8th birthday by posting an adorable photo on social media, showing Messi tilting his head at the camera.
Messi Walks the Red Carpet at Cannes
From May 14 to 25, the 77th Cannes Film Festival took place in France. While American actress Meryl Streep received the honorary Palme d'Or, Messi was the real star on the red carpet. Messi attended the Anatomy of a Fall screening and the festival's opening ceremony, drawing all the cameras and even receiving a cleared red carpet for his walk.
Woof!
Messi now stars in his TV show, Woof!, which premiered in late May. The French TV show features Messi interviewing movie stars, with actor Raphaël Mezrahi providing the voiceover. "This will be an opportunity for Messi to ask his guest any questions with the innocence of a dog," says D18 Paris. "When you're an international star, you can do anything, and Messi dares to do it all!"
However, Messi's rise to superstardom is not unprecedented. We've often witnessed the remarkable performances of animal actors in films, with some even starring in multiple movies and achieving actual celebrity status. Let's look at other animal stars who have also ascended to fame.
Other Famous Animal Stars
Unlike today's heartwarming pet films, Rin Tin starred in action-packed westerns. Discovered by an American soldier during WWI, Rin Tin Tin appeared in 27 films, helping Warner Bros. achieve great success.
The 1943 film Lassie Come Home, directed by Fred M. Wilcox, was the first significant film centered on an animal, pushing the genre to new heights. The original Lassie, played by Pal, and his descendants starred in subsequent films.
Crystal, a female capuchin monkey, is one of Hollywood's hottest animal stars. Debuting in George of the Jungle (1997), she has appeared in over 20 films and TV shows, including Night at the Museum and The Hangover Part II, where she famously smoked a cigarette in one scene.
In fact, the meteoric rise of Messi the dog has not been without its controversies. Critics argue that the intense media focus on Messi has overshadowed the human actors and filmmakers who have dedicated their lives to the craft. Furthermore, some industry insiders feel that emphasizing animal performers could diminish the perceived seriousness of film awards and festivals. Despite these concerns, animal actors bring an undeniable charm and authenticity to the screen, often evoking more profound emotional responses from audiences.
From my perspective, while Messi's fame could distract from human artistry, it also showcases the collaborative nature of filmmaking, where every role matters. Balancing the recognition of animal and human contributions enriches the cinematic experience, adding diverse layers to storytelling.
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