St Trinian's hound named top dog

Dolly has the bow-wow factor at Fidos.

by Amber Wilkinson

Easy Virtue
Poster pooch Fizz was among the winners

They say that the film industry is a dog eat dog world - so it only seems fair that the work of our four-legged friends is recognised from time to time.

The Fidos, an off-shoot of the similarly themed Palm Dog at Cannes, is the brainchild of Toby Rose and aims to celebrate the role of the faithful hound on film.

Rose said: "The event at the world’s top film festival was inspired by the star quality of my much lamented pal, Mutley.

"For many years this feisty fox terrier accompanied me when I went interviewing the stars. The big names saw in him a star quality that would never stood a chance of an award like a Bafta or an Oscar.

"Given the importance of dogs on screen and the amount of time they are spend on the big screen the awards are undoubtedly deserved."

It has been a big year for canines in cinema - and the big winner was Dolly, who plays Mr Darcy in St Trinians. Other winners included Abbey the German Shepherd for her portrayal of Will Smith's faithful hound Samantha in I Am Legend and Fizz the Chihuahua who meets a sticky end thanks to Jessica Biel in Easy Virtue.

Rose added: "The Fidos 2008 were a bumper crop. Dogs got to make a real impact in films from the blockbuster I Am Legend, co-starring with Will Smith, to the cute futuristic moment in Blindness.

"But the stand out roles this year went to fun and at the same time tragic appearances in two quintessentially British pictures, Easy Virtue and that comedy classic St Trinian's. Tears and laughter on four legs. Now that is a major contribution to UK film in two key roles."

Here's the howling successes...

Historical Hound
Easy Virtue – starring Jessica Biel, Colin Firth, Kristin Scott Thomas, Ben Barnes and Fizz, the sat upon Chihuahua

RomCom Rover
Sex And The City – Samantha and her new sweetheart Yorkshire Terrier Baby, played with panache by 'Gidget' Gormley

Comedy Canine
St Trinian’s – Rupert Everett, featuring Dolly making a splash as his iconic pooch, Mr Darcy

Blockbuster Bowser
I Am Legend – Will Smith and German shepherd Samantha (Abbey)

Mutt Moment
What Just Happened – Sean Penn and a white hound caught in controversial crossfire

Best In The World
The supreme champion award to the best dog across all categories: Dolly in St Trinian’s

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