Cannes is not just about the main competition. Sensible critics were delighted when Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Liveswon the Palme d'Or last week, but, in a festival where much of the most exciting activity happened in the periphery, it is only decent to acknowledge the winners of the important side events.

The top prize in Un Certain Regard (the official alternative) went to Hong Sang-soo's quirky Korean film Hahaha. The Directors' Fortnight (the unofficial alternative) – which was of very high quality this year – awarded its premier award to Fabienne Berthaud's Lily Sometimes, starring Diane Kruger and Ludivine Sagnier.

With those formalities out of the way, it is time to concentrate on the gong that always generates the most interest. The Palm Dog, which honours the best canine performance of the festival, celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. In previous seasons, the award has gone to Mops in Marie Antoinette, Moses in Dogville and Dug in the mighty Up. This year, the prize – a rather lovely collar – went to Boss, the stoic boxer from Stephen Frears's Tamara Drewe, which played out of competition.

Mr Frears, a chap with a decent sense of humour, turned up to accept the prize on Boss’s behalf.

Toby Rose, founder of the prize, proudly commented: “This year has shown itself to be vintage as canines came through in fine style. Hurrah for the hounds.”