Four-legged actors vie the Oscars

This year was the year of animals in movies. From Uggie, adorable Jack Russell terrier in ‘The Artist,’ to the 14 horses playing Joey in ‘War Horse,’ animals stole scenes throughout the year. There are the Golden Collars and the Pawscars recognizing four-legged actors on screen.

 Playing dead might not be the greatest acting challenge for Meryl Streep or Brad Pitt, but it was no small accomplishment on the part of one four-legged actor. Uggie, the Jack Russell terrier, won the hearts of millions with his role as the sidekick to fading matinee idol George Valentin in this year’s award-sweeper The Artist and kick-started discussions around the recognition, or lack thereof, of animals on screen in the process.

Being the social dog that he is, Uggie graced every award show possible, accompanying the proud cast and crew of The Artist. At the Golden Globes he took to the stage, distracting many from the acceptance speeches with the “Aws!” he drew from the audience.

Uggie received his own awards this month, snatching both a Golden Collar and a Pawscar, the former recognizing the onscreen work of canines and the latter, animals in general. The Golden Collar Awards, initiated this year by the Dog News Daily website, drew attention when Martin Scorsese wrote a letter to the LA Times, asking readers to start a campaign to include Blackie the Doberman, who played alongside Sacha Baron Cohen in another awards-favorite, Hugo, to be included among the nominees. Blackie’s name was soon on the list that recognized Uggie’s role in two movies, last year’s Water for Elephants and Cosmo from the Ewan McGregor and Christopher Plummer flick Beginners; Denver, who played Skeletor in 50/50; and Hummer with his role in Young Adult. Uggie, as expected, won the award, putting it next to his Pawscar for best scene stealer.

Click here for full article (Hürriyet Daily News)