'The Artist' Uggie wins 2011 'Palm Dog'

Uggie, the Jack Russell terrier who appears in The Artist, has won the 2011 'Palm Dog'.

According to AFP, journalist Kate Muir announced the award during an awards ceremony on the Mediterranean beach front.

She added that the gong was given to the star of the in-competition black and white French silent film "for one of the best performances ever in the history of the award... a lovely terrier".

In Uggie's absence, the prize was picked up by his supposed pen-pal, a Jack Russell bitch Apple.

The 'Special Jury Prize' was given to "fifth generation actor" Laika, who appeared in Le Havre, another movie in competition at this year's Cannes.

Journalist and 'Palm Dog' founder Toby Rose introduced the awards with the announcement: "Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, dogs and bitches, welcome to the 'Palm Dog' 2011.

"The high canine quotient in the official selection has made the 'Palm Dog' more than ever a Cannes conversation topic."

Last year's tenth anniversary 'Palm Dog' was given to Boss, the dog from Stephen Frears's Tamara Drewe.

Other former winners have included Dug from Up and Mops from Marie Antoinette