The 2024 Oscars on March 10, 2024 were a night of glitz, glamour, and, surprisingly enough, adorable wags. While A-listers vied for golden statuettes, a furry scene-stealer emerged: Messi, a seven-year-old border collie.
This wasn’t your average red carpet cameo. Messi, a breakout star from the acclaimed film “Anatomy of a Fall,” wasn’t just there to pose for pictures. He was a bona fide audience member, sporting a dapper bowtie and seemingly clapping along during host Jimmy Kimmel’s opening monologue.
This delightful moment, captured on camera, went viral instantly. The internet couldn’t get enough of Messi’s polite applause and attentive demeanor. It had been a member of the crew, however who helped Messi make that memorable moment which included a fake hand and fake paws clapping.
But Messi’s charm ran deeper than a cute outfit. He wasn’t just a well-trained pup; he was a critically acclaimed actor. In “Anatomy of a Fall,” Messi delivered a heart-wrenching performance as Snoop, a guide dog for a blind boy. His role was pivotal to the film, even earning him the Palm Dog award at Cannes – an unofficial prize for best canine performance. And although he had not been nominated for an Oscars, he surely had been a regular during the awards season, and has been in the spotlight – even sharing moments with actors Ryan Gosling and Billie Eilish.
Messi’s presence at the Oscars wasn’t just a whimsical addition. It was a testament to the growing recognition of animal actors and the emotional impact they can have on audiences.
Social media buzzed with praise for Messi. #OscarsDog trended worldwide, with fans declaring him the night’s true winner. Articles and videos documenting his every move flooded the internet. Even celebrities like Robert Downey Jr. and Ryan Gosling were spotted fawning over the furry star.
The night belonged not just to actors and directors, but to a talented canine. Messi’s story reminds us that sometimes, the most heartwarming performances come from the most unexpected places. He may not have walked away with a golden statue, but he won the hearts of millions and left an indelible paw print on Oscar history.
(Photos of Messi via We Rate Dogs on FB)
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