The Daily Dish: May 22

-- Ledger’s last film debuts at Cannes. *Terry Gilliam’s joint UK/Canadian production The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassuswhich showcases Heath Ledger’s final acting role, had its world premiere today at the Film Festival in the south of France. Ledger, who died of an accidental prescription drug overdose in January 2008, stars as a moral reprobate who happens upon a mysterious acting troupe while on the run and discovers a mysterious portal to different fantasy worlds. Prior to his passing, the talented actor had completed all of the modern/reality-based scenes in London but had yet to film anything within the alternative realities. Faced with one of the most difficult decisions of his career, director Gilliam decided to forge ahead, choosing to keep the existing footage and complete the rest with Johnny Depp, Colin Farrell and Jude Law stepping into the main character’s shoes in each of three different worlds. Gilliam explained to press in Cannes on Friday that Heath’s passion and commitment to his craft inspired the three A-list replacement actors and forced them to up their game as a tribute to the story he wanted to tell. "Everybody was just energized by Heath. He was extraordinary. That just passed on to everyone else. Everyone's part grew because they were full of Heath's energy," Gilliam said. "What I thought was interesting was to watch people filling the void that Heath left. Everybody was just growing to make sure that there was no void left in the space that Heath had left us." The director downplays his role in picking up the pieces and completing the project, instead passing the credit onto the three actors, saying "They did it solely, basically, for nothing. The money they would have been paid went to Matilda, Heath's daughter. To me, they're the real heroes." The final film is dedicated to both Ledger and producer William Vince, who succumbed to cancer during the last months of production, and closed with the dedication: “A film from Heath Ledger and friends.”

-- There’s a Palm Dog Award? Apparently since 2001, British film critics have been awarding the “Palm Dog” award to the best canine performance seen in a film screened at the Cannes Film Festival - file that one under “who knew?” This year’s leather collar honour went to the talking dog, Dug, from Disney/Pixar’s animated comedy Up. The cuddly comic canine was the winner by a landslide, with his only competition coming from a black poodle seen in Quentin Tarantino's war flick Inglourious Basterds. Although the award itself seems at best completely random, it’s great to see something lightening up an event which can sometimes get bogged down under its own self-importance. Plus I’m all for anything that gets Dug more publicity. Seriously, have you seen this preview clip? I’m excited about this movie as it is but add in an adorable talking dog and I think it might be a recipe for one of Disney’s best films in years.

-- Stone and Lennox pay tribute to Richardson at AmFAR benefit Sharon Stone held back tears last night as she took to the stage at the annual Cinema Against AIDS fundraiser in Cannes to pay tribute to Natasha Richardson. The British actress, who died of complications from a skiing accident this past March, had long been a fervent supporter and vocal campaigner for AIDS research and funding. Stone spoke eloquently about her close friend saying, “This year we lost an angel from our amfAR family. In March, the funny, graceful Natasha Richardson was taken from us. People say, 'Oh, she can't really have been that great or graceful.' She was. 'That funny, charming, sweet and elegant.' She was. She left behind her husband and two stunningly beautiful children and an unfinished mission to help us find a cure for AIDS." The Hollywood star donated $50,000 in honour of Richardson and read out a prepared statement from Liam Neeson, who pledged to continue his late wife’s support for amFAR and urged everyone to keep up the fight for a cure. Rock icon Annie Lennox then took to the stage to perform her powerful song “Talking to an Angel,” announcing to the crowd: “That was for Natasha.”