2001 - "Otis" in The Anniversary Party - Jennifer Jason Leigh

Highly commended : "Delgado" in Large - Justin Edgar

The Palm Dog opened in a blaze of glamour, when the trophy collar was accepted in person by Jennifer Jason Leigh. First winner was Otis in The Anniversary Party directed by and starring Miss Leigh. The Palm Dog award was presented to the companion of first-time winner Otis in 2001. Jennifer Jason Leigh went weak at the knees when she accepted the award for her doggie co-star. Minders looked on anxiously as Miss Leigh, star of gritty epic Last Exit to Brooklyn, gunned down in Road to Perdition, gushed joyfully as she cradled the award for Otis, sadly detained Stateside.

"This is great, this is wonderful. I was feeling flat today and hearing the news that Otis had won the Palm Dog really lifted my spirits," she enthused. (photo Otis wearing collar in LA)