The moment everyone has been eagerly awaiting has finally arrived as Robert Downey Jr. claimed the Best Supporting Actor award at the 2024 Oscars. “I’d like to thank my terrible childhood“, he joked during his acceptance speech while taking his first-ever Oscar. However, besides his win, the internet latched onto another peculiar incident as the camera panned towards the audience applauding for Downey Jr. Messi, the dog from Anatomy of a Fall, appeared to be clapping for the Oppenheimer actor as well.

This left fans pondering just how extraordinary the dog truly is, to the extent that even the Academy could not resist welcoming him to the ceremony, despite some debate surrounding bringing animals to the event. The Oscars Luncheon on February 12th turned into Messi’s moment in the sun, with many celebrities in awe of his presence. However, with the event coinciding with the Academy’s voting and review season, some nominees were concerned about the dog’s influence on votes towards Anatomy of a Fall.

Messi, nonetheless, is not the only animal to have been welcomed with open arms at the Academy Awards. In fact, there have been even wilder animals in attendance at the Oscars.

The Oscars’ history of inviting animals to its ceremony

Crip Camp‘s team brought a special guest to the red carpet festivities in the year 2021. It was a service dog named Goji. This lovable companion joined the film’s producer, Andraéa LaVant, for an iconic entry. The best part was how it was fully prepared for its red carpet appearance with painted toes, scrunchy ties adorning her feet, and a bedazzled service vest. However, it is not just dogs who like the Oscars. The Academy also saw a bear as a guest once.

Bart the Bear, famed for his roles in The Great Outdoors and The Edge, wowed audiences in the film The Bear. Despite a campaign for an Oscar nomination for the non-human, the Academy put an end to the idea and implemented a rule against considering animal actors. However, Bart the Bear had his time in the spotlight at the 1998 Oscars and joined Mike Myers as a presenter.

What do you think about Messi, the dog’s reaction? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!