'Canine Oscars' up for grabs

2009-10-30 18:34

London - Four-legged screen stars are vying for the Fido Film Awards, billed as the canine equivalent of the Oscars.

Nominees announced on Friday include the animated dog stars of Bolt and Up, the titular mutt in Marley and Me and - in a rare non-canine choice - the dapper, George Clooney-voiced Fantastic Mr Fox.

They are competing for prizes in categories including historical hound, rom-com rover and comedy canine.

Award organiser Toby Rose said the past year had scene "an unprecedented run of dog successes at the international box-office".

The Fidos call themselves the world's first international awards for canine screen stars. The winners will be chosen by a panel of British film critics and announced at a ceremony on November 22 in London.

- AP