A monkey dubbed the "Angelina Jolie of animal stars" has won the Lifetime Diva Achievement Award at the 2015 Pawscars, days before Sunday's Oscars ceremony.
Crystal the capuchin, who has acted in movies and TV for some 18 years, was dressed to the nines as she was handed her trophy, which she accepted and waved in the air with a wide grin, as seen in a video posted on the YouTube page of the American Humane Association on Wednesday. The group works to ensure the safety of animal actors on set.
"You've seen her in Night at the Museum, The Hangover [Part II], American Pie and Dr. Doolittle films," NCIS actress Pauley Perrette, who co-hosted the Pawscars with fellow actor and animal activist Lou Wegner, says in the video. "Please welcome the Angelina Jolie of animal stars, Crystal the capuchin monkey!"
"One amazing fact about Crystal is that she is a rescue animal," the group said in a statement. "Crystal is far from the only rescue animal working today: approximately 80 percent of the cats and dogs you see on the large and small screen are rescues or adopted from shelters. This monkey is so beloved that the late Robin Williams called her his 'favorite leading lady.'"
The "Angelina Jolie of animal stars," whose trainer is Tom Gunderson, even has her own acting reel.
The other animal actors honored at the 2015 Pawscars are:
1. Wolfie, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel in The Interview - Best Puppy Under Pressure
"The American Humane Association always made sure Wolfie was kept safe, especially in the midst of all the chaos and action," Perrette said. "He was never near any of the explosions, gunfire, or loud noise – all that was added in post-production, or a stuffed double was used. In the boat scenes, Wolfie was always kept strapped-in for safety, while in between takes, he was kept warm with a hot water bottle."
In The Interview, the adult version of Wolfie was played by star Seth Rogen's real dog, Zelda.
2. Tug as Milky White the Cow in Into the Woods - Best Magical Cow
3. The dolphins in Dolphin Tale 2 - Best Aquatic Performance
4. Nicki and King as the German shepherd in Sex Tape - Best Chase Sequence
During the scene, the dog encounters a treadmill and the result isn't so pretty.
"The machine was never running when the dog was on it," the American Humane Association said. "Stuffed animals and CGI were used for all the dangerous parts and the full scene was put together in post-production."
5. Dale the horse in Dawn of the Planet of the Apes - Best Supporting Equine
6. T, Puppers and Ice as Rocco the pit pull puppy in The Drop - Best Young Animal Performer(s)
Tom Hardy had said he bonded with the pups on the set of the 2014 mob drama, which was co-star James Gandolfini's final film.
"Because different puppies were used to play the same character, some make-up was needed to make them all match," the American Humane Association said, adding that the group "made sure that the makeup used was nontoxic."
7. Dharma the fox, Muffet the horse, Tess the dog, Sport the rabbit, Taiga the llama and Fred the rattlesnake in Wild - Best Ensemble
The movie earned Reese Witherspoon a 2015 Oscar nomination (see the full list).
8. Lassie - Top Dog Star of all Time
No surprise here.
The character, played by several collies over the years, received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1960. Crystal's rep said they're hoping she'll get one someday.
9. Tiki as Sassy the Himalayan cat in Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey and Homeward Bound 2: Lost in San Francisco - Top Cat Star of all Time
The feline, who lives up to her name and is voiced by Sally Field, finally gets the honor she deserves.
Congrats to all the winners!
—Reporting by Sara Kitnick