Entertainment
Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley’s Dogs Steal the Spotlight at Berlin Film Festival

BERLIN, Germany — Margaret Qualley appeared at the Berlin Film Festival on Tuesday alongside her co-stars Demi Moore and Ethan Hawke to promote their new film, The Substance. The event featured a press conference both entertaining and informative, dominating social media with its charming moments, including Qualley’s endorsement of pet presence in high-profile events.
Qualley brought her dog, Smokey, to the press conference, capturing the affection of attendees as she held him throughout the Q&A. Many couldn’t help but draw comparisons between Smokey’s presence and Moore’s dog, Pilaf, who is known for joining the actress on her public appearances.
“It’s nice to have a loving presence close by,” Qualley shared on stage. “Smokey calms me amidst the chaos of publicity, much like Pilaf does for Demi.” The dogs, both popular figures in their own right, have sparked discussions among cinema enthusiasts about the intersection of celebrity and pet culture.
Demi Moore’s dog, Pilaf, is also frequently seen at events, establishing a pattern of furry companions attending high-profile gatherings in Hollywood. Moore’s dog has continually shared the spotlight during her promotional tours, creating a perception of pets as integral to the celebrity experience.
As the audience giggled at the playful rivalry of the two pups, bassist Andrew Scott jokingly suggested, “Perhaps we should have a ‘Best Dog’ award at the Oscars to settle this.” While the idea was meant in jest, it illustrates the lighthearted atmosphere during the press event, where the attention shifted between the film’s merits and the endearing characteristics of its canine attendees.
Moore, who is immersed in her Oscar campaign for The Substance, acknowledged Smokey’s appearance adding a unique twist to the film’s promotion. “If Smokey draws more attention to our project, all the better!” she said, laughing.
In addition to the playful banter about pets, the discussion touched on the depth of themes explored in The Substance, directed by Coralie Fargeat. The film, which tackles issues of body image and societal expectations, received five Oscar nominations following a successful screening at Cannes. Qualley, alongside Moore, highlighted the importance of representing female-driven narratives in both the film’s content and its promotional strategies.
Qualley emphasized her commitment to challenging traditional depictions of women in cinema, stating, “We need more stories that allow us to explore vulnerability and strength together.” Moore nodded in agreement, having thoughtfully crafted her own role in the film, which plays off her status as a Hollywood icon.
With the Academy Awards approaching, both actresses seem positioned to garner significant attention, driven equally by the film’s acclaim and their public personas, which are now further complemented by their canine co-stars. While monthly projections have been making waves in the industry, the mutual affection for their pets stands out as an unexpectedly warm hallmark of their collaboration.