LIGHTS, CAMERA, FETCH!

It was a banner year for non-human performers in awards-worthy fare. Presenting a quick guide to the dogs, cat, horse, and rabbit who did their best to steal the show from their castmates

Katey Rich

THE MENAGERIE AWARDS

Olivia Widows [Twentieth Century Fox/ Regency Enterprises]

Looks as stylish as a handbag tucked under Viola Davis's arm, and is key in the film's most tense moment, opposite Brian Tyree Henry.

Jersey Can You Ever Forgive Me? [Fox Searchlight]

A lonely writer who lives with her cat may be a stereotype, but Melissa McCarthy and Jersey [real name Towne] sell the bond between two ornery New Yorkers.

Charlie AStar Is Born [Warner Bros. Pictures]

Bradley Cooper's own dog joins Jackson Maine and Ally for their short-lived domestic bliss. Chemistry that real can't be created by a casting department.

President Pierce The Ballad of Buster Scruggs [Netflix]

A yappy terrier who has no place on a wagon train in the Old West, President Pierce brings woe to anyone who cares for him— proof that cuteness doesn't solve everything.

Lean on Pete Lean on Pete [A24]

A horse so lovable he inspires his teenage caretaker [Charlie Plummer] to kidnap him from his neglectful owner and embark on a trek across the West.

Ponce Ben Is Back [LD Entertainment/ Roadside Attractions]

A peripheral but beloved part of much of the film, Ponce drives the action in the second half when he's kidnapped on Christmas Eve.

Chief Isle of Dogs [Fox Searchlight]

Wes Anderson's stop-motion film is crammed with dogs voiced by awardwinning actors, but Chief [Bryan Cranston] undergoes the biggest transformation.

Hildebrand The Favourite [Fox Searchlight]

There may be 17 rabbits living in Queen Anne's bedroom—one for each of the children she lost—but only one plays a key role in the film's royal rivalry.

Borras Roma [Netflix]

A loyal and enthusiastic member of the family, but also a symbol of the ongoing burdens faced by housekeeper Cleo— who else is going to clean up that poop?

Cherish, the Biggest Dog in Singapore Shirkers [Netflix]

David Lynch-inspired teen Sandi Tan wanted to make a surrealist road-trip movie across Singapore and that required— what else?—an enormous wolfhound.