Messi: The dog with a seat at the Oscars

Meet Messi, the charming seven-year-old border collie who stole hearts at the 96th Academy Awards. His unexpected presence and impeccable behaviour turned him into a true star on the red carpet. Let’s dive into the delightful tale of Messi’s Oscars adventure!

Anatomy of a Fall

Messi played a pivotal role in the French drama film “Anatomy of a Fall” which won the Oscar for best original screenplay at the 2024 Oscars. Directed by Justine Triet and written by Triet and Arthur Harari, the movie revolves around a woman on trial for her husband’s murder. In the film, Messi portrays Snoop, the service dog of the main character, Milo.

From Cannes to Hollywood

While the film received critical acclaim and earned Oscar nominations, Messi’s piercing blue eyes captured Hollywood’s attention throughout the awards season. He unexpectedly became the film’s mascot, stealing the spotlight at key events. His appearances included the nominees luncheon, where he bonded with Canadian actor Ryan Gosling and singer Billie Eilish for almost ten minutes. They hugged, petted, and shared a special vibe.

The Oscars Moment

On Oscars night, Messi took his rightful place inside the Dolby Theatre. With his own seat, he patiently awaited the start of the show. Fans were delighted to see him, and his presence added an extra touch of magic to the star-studded event. Messi’s well-behaved demeanour and adorable blue eyes made him an instant favourite among attendees.

A One-of-a-Kind Canine Star

Messi’s Oscars appearance was a delightful surprise. His presence reminded us that even in the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, a loyal and talented dog can steal the show. As the cameras captured his every move, Messi clapped (with some fake paws) after Robert Downey Jr's acceptance speech (for best supporting actor in Oppenheimer). His adorable bow tie added to the charm.

Behind the Scenes

Messi’s journey wasn’t all glamour. His trainer and owner, Laura Martin, revealed that he trained for two months to perfect a crucial scene in the film. In this scene, Snoop keels over after being poisoned. Even the simplest actions required meticulous work, from lying down to lifting his head and letting it fall back without resistance.

Messi’s journey from Cannes to the Oscars exemplifies the magic of cinema and the unexpected stars that capture our hearts. As the credits rolled, we couldn’t help but applaud this four-legged sensation. Here’s to Messi, the good boy who made the Oscars a little brighter! Sometimes the biggest stars come in the smallest packages!

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