Exploring the Rise of a Celebrity Pup: Messi’s Absence from the 2024 Oscars

Why Anatomy of a Fall Dog Messi Isn t Allowed at the Oscars

Messi the dog. Amanda Edwards/Getty Images

Messi, the beloved dog who stole the show in Anatomy of a Fall, will unfortunately not be making an appearance at the 2024 Academy Awards. The 7-year-old border collie, known for his role as Snoop in Justine Triet’s acclaimed film, will be staying home instead of attending the prestigious event in Los Angeles on Sunday, March 10, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter.

Messi stole the spotlight at the Oscar nominees lunch recently, receiving praise from celebrities like Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone for being there.

According to Messi's trainer and owner Laura Martin, the highlight of the event was when Billie Eilish spent nearly 10 minutes bonding with Messi. They hugged, petted, and really connected. Later, Bradley Cooper ran into Messi in the hallway and the dog immediately gravitated towards him, forming a connection as well.

While many A-listers and Oscar nominees were excited to meet Messi, some Academy insiders were worried about the pup's influence. According to THR, "multiple companies with nominated films complained" that Messi's presence at the lunch could affect voting decisions in their film's favor.

Anatomy of a Fall, which has five nominations at Sunday's ceremony, including Best Picture, features Sandra Hüller as a writer determined to clear her name in her husband's death. Messi's touching portrayal as Hüller's loyal companion moved audiences to tears, earning him the Palm Dog award at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival.

Why Anatomy of a Fall Dog Messi Isn t Allowed at the Oscars

Messi the dog. Amanda Edwards/Getty Images

Martin shared with THR that the attention first started at Cannes. In France, there were a couple of interviews, but the overwhelming interest in the dog and his performance in America has exceeded their expectations. It's more than they ever imagined achieving in this industry.

Triet had a vision for the film that involved a dog playing dead, a talent that Messi already possessed.

Martin shared with Variety in February that they had to figure out how to carry Messi while keeping him in character as an inert dog. The training involved daily practice, starting on the bed to see how much disturbance Messi could handle while staying limp.

She also expressed concern that Messi's standout performance might lead to him being typecast in roles where he has to play dead. Martin mentioned that these are the types of roles they are currently being offered.

Despite Messi not being at the Oscars on Sunday, the show will still go on. The red carpet will be laid out at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood to honor the best films of 2023.

Leading the pack is Oppenheimer with an impressive 13 Oscar nominations, the most of any film this year. Poor Things is close behind with 11 nods, while Barbie has eight opportunities to win.

Editor's P/S:

The absence of Messi the dog at the Oscars is a disappointment for many fans who have been captivated by his heartwarming performance in "Anatomy of a Fall." However, it also highlights the potential influence that animals can have on the entertainment industry and the need to consider their well-being. While Messi's presence at the nominees lunch brought joy to attendees, it also raised concerns about the impact it could have on voting decisions. This incident underscores the importance of maintaining objectivity and integrity in the awards process.

It is encouraging to see that Messi's talent and charm have garnered recognition from renowned actors and directors. His ability to portray complex emotions and connect with audiences is a testament to the power of animal actors. As the entertainment industry continues to explore the use of animals in film and television, it is crucial to ensure that their well-being is prioritized and that they are not exploited for commercial gain. Messi's story serves as a reminder that animals deserve respect and ethical treatment, both on and off the screen.