It is a real triumph for Yuriwho walked the red carpet with panache on the occasion of Palm Dog 2026. This ball of fur, adopted from a shelter by the film crew The female dog of Dominga Sotomayorestablished a beautiful relationship of complicity with the main actress, Manuela Oyarzun (Sylvia), before filming begins. The director wanted above all to work with an animal that had not been trained for the cinema, and which retained a “natural” side.
Friday, at the Festival Beach, Yuri received the iconic necklace from Palm Dog made by the French brand Oria & Guizmo under thunderous applause. The former refuge resident not only won the hearts of the jury made up of renowned film critics like Peter Bradshaw (The Guardian) or even Anna Smith (Girls On Film), but also that of the public.
© Sonia Reveyaz / Woopets
A dog who naturally transmits emotions on screen
In The female dog, Yuri is abandoned and collected on an isolated island in the south of Chile by Sylviawhile she is still just a puppy. Very quickly, the furball takes an important place in her life and awakens in her deep wounds linked to her past.
One day, the animal disappears and begins a search across the entire island. This quest led by Sylvia little by little becomes an inner journey. Carried by the wild landscapes, the sound of the wind and the ocean, The female dog advances in a raw and immersive atmosphere.
The film of Dominga Sotomayor delicately explores the complex bond between a bruised woman and a dog as free as she is elusive. His goal? Show a sincere relationship, far from the usual clichés of the perfectly obedient dog. Here, Yuri acts according to his instincts. It disappears, escapes and sometimes returns without ever fully meeting Man's expectations. Note that Dominga Sotomayor also favored spontaneous reactions and natural interactions with the protagonist of the story.
On screen, the furry actress impresses with her ability to convey emotions without artifice like a human actor. Yuri is a real character in his own right! In several scenes, the camera simply films her running through the windy landscapes of the Chilean island, creating moments of great poetry.
A consecration reminiscent of that of Kodi, star of the film “The Trial of the Dog”
Do you remember Kodiheadliner of the film The Trial of the Dog of Laetitia Dosch ? The Griffon crusader, who had proudly won Palm Dog in 2024 for having brilliantly embodied Cosmoswas adopted at the Narbonne SPA by the animal coach Juliette Roux-Merveille.
The doggie, marked by his past in the street, had burst onto the screen thanks to his breathtaking canine performance. Particularly expressive, Kodi had also kept a natural side which greatly pleased the director, with whom he was very close during filming.
Lola in “I See Buildings Fall Like Lightning” is entitled to the Grand Jury Prize
Lolaa Terrier cross female dog, also had her hour of glory on the Croisette. The ball of hair received the Grand Jury Prize for his role in I See Buildings Fall Like Lightninga film signed by Clio Barnard.
© Sonia Reveyaz / Woopets
The British director follows 5 childhood friends who arrive at the age of 30 between lost dreams, tensions and the return of the past. It addresses the difficulty of growing up when life no longer looks like what you imagined.
Through her simple, discreet and touching presence, the little dog reminds us of the need for affection and loyalty in an often harsh world.
We're already looking forward to seeing you next year at Cannes to discover other actors on the occasion of Palm Dog 2027!