Humane Association presents Pawscars, the Oscars for animal actors

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 19 (UPI) -- The American Humane Association announced the winners of the sixth annual Pawscars -- the animal version of the Oscars.

The association released a video featuring NCIS star Pauley Perrette and Trouble with the Curve actor Lou Wegner announcing the winners of the Academy Awards-inspired Pawscars for animals in film.

The first award, "Best Puppy Under Pressure," went to Wolfie, a King Charles spaniel with a role in The Interview.

The "Best Magical Cow" award went to Tug, the cow who portrayed Milky White in Into the Woods, and "Best Aquatic Performance" went to the dolphin stars of Dolphin Tale 2.

German shepherds Nicki and King, who tag-teamed a role in Sex Tape, were given the "Best Chase Sequence" award for a scene featuring a dog chasing star Jason Segal when he is caught breaking into a friend's home.

The association awarded the title of "Best Supporting Equine" to Dale, a horse featured in Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, and the "Best Young Animal Performer(s)" award was shared by pit bulls T, Puppers and Ice, who also shared the role of Rocco in The Drop.

The "Best Emsemble" award was given to the stars of the film Wild, which included a horse played by Muffet, a fox played by Dharma, a rattlesnake played by Fred, a dog played by Tess, a rabbit played by Sport and a llama played by Taiga. 

Lassie was dubbed the "Top Dog Star of All Time."

"Her first movie was Lassie Come Home with Elizabeth Taylor in her first starring role. Taylor was paid $100 a week, but Lassie got $250," the association said.

Tiki, the cat who played Sassy in Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey and sequel Homeward Bound 2: Lost in San Francisco, was named the "Top Cat Star of All Time."

The "Lifetime Diva Achievement Award" was given to Crystal, a capuchin monkey whose roles over the course of her 18-year career include the Night at the Museum series, Dr. Doolittle, American Pie and The Hangover: Part 2.

"All of our 2015 Pawscars winners are truly deserving of this honor for all they have done to entertain us not just over the past year, but indeed, in Lassie's case, for decades and decades," said Dr. Robin Ganzert, American Humane Association's president and chief executive officer.

"Animal stars are such an important part of the films and TV shows we watch every day and this year's PAWSCARS are our special way of paying tribute to the rich history of animal actors. Our deepest thanks to Pauley Perrette and Lou Wegner for co-hosting this year's show and to everyone who voted for their favorite dog and cat stars of all time."