Alongside the Cannes Festival, a new ceremony is making its debut: the Pawards. This event will honor animals in cultural works, whether they are heroes in films, books, or subjects of awareness campaigns. The inaugural edition on Wednesday, May 21, will emphasize ethics and commitment.
A rather unusual new festival is set to take place in Cannes alongside the Cannes Festival: the Pawards. Launched this year, the event aims to recognize the role of animals in cultural productions. Films, documentaries, books, or advertisements: all formats are included. This new event also seeks to promote best practices in the industry by highlighting those who respect and spotlight animals.
The ceremony is the brainchild of Yoann Latouche, founder of the YLG agency. For him, the idea is clear: “Animals have always held a special place in culture and alongside artists. […] They are often at the heart of stories or key scenes in our culture.”
To embody the spirit of the Pawards, Christophe Beaugrand has been chosen as the master of ceremonies. A journalist and host, he is also known for his commitment to the animal cause. He will lead the evening with humor and sensitivity.
Diverse categories, a committed jury
For this first edition, six categories have been created. They encompass cinema, literature, and advertising. Among the contending films are The Friend, Le Léopard des neiges, and Bambi, l’histoire d’une vie dans les bois. In animation, Flow, Le Robot Sauvage, and Ozi, la voix de la forêt have been selected.
In documentaries, works like Nos meilleurs amis, La vie après toi, and Pangolin: chemin de vie explore the relationship between humans and animals from various angles: emotion, grief, or biodiversity. Advertising and communication campaigns are also included. Some aim to encourage adoption, others to denounce mistreatment or highlight responsible actions.
The jury includes individuals from media, culture, and veterinary medicine. Stéphanie Chermont, a journalist specializing in cinema, presides over the committee. She is joined by personalities like Sandrine Arcizet, Roland Perez, Hélène Gateau, Laetitia Barlerin, and Tristane Banon.
Beyond the awards, the Pawards aim to effect change. They seek to highlight responsible practices, raise public awareness about the animal cause, and remind people that animals are not mere extras.
