Uggie won't attend Oscars

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 20 (UPI) -- Uggie, the scene-stealing canine star of "The Artist," will not attend the Academy Awards ceremony in Los Angeles, The Weinstein Co. said.

The studio told the BBC the 10-year-old Jack Russell terrier had "not been asked to participate or appear at the Oscars" Sunday.

TWC's statement contradicts rumors claiming Uggie would appear on stage with Academy Awards show host Billy Crystal, the BBC said.

Uggie's trainer from the Animal Savvy animal actor agency in Los Angeles recently announced the animal is being retired from feature films, but will continue to appear in short films and commercials.

Uggie took the stage with his co-stars when "The Artist" won Best Musical or Comedy Feature at the Golden Globe Awards last month.

The French-made, black-and-white valentine to cinema's silent era is nominated for 10 Oscars, including Best Picture.