‘Anatomy of a Fall’ Breakout Messi the Dog Laps Up Attention at Cannes

Cannes Film Festival officials are notoriously strict when it comes to enforcing protocols for black-tie ensembles on guests before they are allowed to ascend the iconic Palais steps. However, at Tuesday’s glamorous opening night ceremony, one guest managed to sneak by security on four legs sporting nothing but a coat of fur. But at least he nailed the black-and-white part.

Messi the dog — an awards season sensation following a breakout turn in Justine Triet’s Palme d’Or-winning Anatomy of a Fall — made a splash on the red carpet last night by strolling in front of photographers and lapping up loads of attention ahead of appearances by Meryl Streep, jury president Greta Gerwig, Jane Fonda, Juliette Binoche and the cast of the opening night film The Second Act.

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It marked a triumphant return for the Border Collie who won last year’s Palm Dog trophy, and yet another buzzworthy showing for the pooch who stole scenes everywhere from the Oscar nominees luncheon (hello, Ryan Gosling!) to the Academy Awards ceremony. The dog, who played Snoop in Triet’s critically acclaimed pic, also sat for an interview with The Hollywood Reporter alongside his trainer Laura Martin who also attended Tuesday’s ceremony. She and her canine collaborator caused quite the stir, which can be seen below.

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