The Oscar for dogs

EYE-CATCHING Jack Russell performances in "Beginners" and "The Artist" have prompted calls for a special Oscar to recognize dog performances.

Why, people have asked, can't they throw Uggie ("The Artist") or Cosmo ("Beginners") a bone? As it turns out, there is already a movie award program for dogs - it's called the Golden Collar Award, and Uggie and Cosmo are up for best actor. (Uggie was actually nominated twice this year, for "The Artist" and his work in "Water for Elephants.") Also nominated are Denver the dog from "50/50," and Hummer the Pomeranian from "Young Adult." In addition, there is a write-in campaign, initiated by Martin Scorsese, to nominate the Doberman from "Hugo."

Uggie was given a special award at the Cannes Film Festival. Although "The Artist" did not win the Palm D'or, Uggie won the Palm D'og, one of five awarded through the years.

And trans-species crossover competition is probably not a good thing. You don't want Mel Gibson, for instance, showing up at some animal award competition and winning a prize that by rights should go to a real beaver.

So who was top dog?

We invite readers to choose at philly.com/topdog.

- Gary Thompson