Smurf, in Sightseers, wins the Palm Dog 2012
Smurf in Sightseers
Winners
- Palm Dog: Smurf, in Sightseers by Ben Wheatley
- Jury Grand Prize: Billy Bob, in the film Le Grand soir, directed by Benoît Delépine and Gustave Kervern
The Jury
- Kaleem Aftab: journalist for The Independent
- Peter Bradshaw: film critic for The Guardian
- Robbie Collin: film critic for The Telegraph
- Charles Gant: film critic for Heat Magazine
- Christian Monggaard: film journalist for Dagbladet Information
- Kate Muir: journalist for The Times
A master of tragedy
In 2012, the jury was amazed by the talents of man’s best friend. Several dogs delivered dramatic scenes to perfection.
Poppy and Banjo, playing Smurf in Ben Wheatley’s film Sightseers, follow in the footsteps of Uggie (Jean Dujardin’s companion in The Artist). The two four-legged actors were hugely successful, winning the Palm Dog. In the film, the canine character takes a fatal fall onto a pile of needles — a heart-wrenching moment that brought tears to our eyes!
The Jack Russell Billy Bob, performing in Le Grand soir alongside his owner Benoît Poelvoorde, also had his moment of glory. The dog was awarded the Jury Grand Prize.
Benoît Poelvoorde performing with his own dog Billy Bob in Le Grand Soir. © Toby Rose
Ben Wheatley celebrates his win with Smurf in Sightseers
The 2012 Diamond Jubilee Palm Dog
That year, the Palm Dog went royal. The founder of the event, Toby Rose (renowned English film journalist), paid tribute to Queen Elizabeth II on her 60th year of reign. The ceremony was therefore themed: “The Diamond Jubilee Palm Dog”.
On this occasion, the winners’ collars — crafted by Creature Clothes (Suffolk) — were adorned with English flags. The laureates also received medals designed by Tatty Devine (Shoreditch). With these beautiful and unique accessories, the pups never went unnoticed!
The 2012 Selection
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Sightseers by Ben Wheatley
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Le Grand soir by Benoît Delépine and Gustave Kervern
