Here’s how celebrity dog Messi pulled off clapping cameo at Oscars

Though the dog was not nominated for any Oscars this year, he has been a fixture during awards season, stealing the spotlight at every stop

Messi, the dog, attended the Oscars, after all.

The breakout star of Justine Triet’s “Anatomy of a Fall” was rumored to have been off the list, but just a few minutes into Jimmy Kimmel’s monologue Sunday night, the camera cut to the 7-year-old border collie in a prime aisle seat near the stage.

There was a little bit of movie magic happening, however. Associated Press photographer Chris Pizzello said that about 45 minutes before the show, when guests were starting to file into the Dolby Theatre, cameras were filming Messi in the spot later used as a “cut in” reaction shot.

As for the clapping paws, Pizzello said a crew member was also helping make that memorable cutaway happen.

(One of Pizzello’s shots of the moment shows a human hand and fake paws.)

Messi did not, however, appear to be in the theater for the duration of the show. Perhaps he snuck out early to relax at a viewing party instead.

Though the dog was not nominated for any Oscars this year, he has been a fixture during awards season, stealing the spotlight at every stop, including the nominee’s luncheon, and sharing moments with Ryan Gosling and Billie Eilish.

He also was awarded the Palm Dog at the Cannes Film Festival last year.

A representative for the actor did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Source: AP