CBS/AP/ February 14, 2012, 1:08 PM

"The Artist" star Uggie named Golden Collar's top dog

Uggie, left, from the film "The Artist", and Dash, arrive at the first annual Golden Collar Awards in Los Angeles, Feb. 13, 2012.

/ AP

(CBS/AP) - In the spirit of awards season, even dog actors can get awards in Tinseltown, and six pooches collected prizes at the inaugural Golden Collar Awards.

The ceremony, held Monday in Los Angeles, found actors including "NCIS" star Pauley Perrette and "Hot in Cleveland" actress Wendie Malick presenting trophies for the best dog performances on the big and small screens.

Pictures: Golden Collar Awards 2012

Uggie, the four-legged star of "The Artist," was named top dog in a movie. His owner-trainer, Omar Von Muller, was on hand to accept the award.

Von Muller said the Jack Russell terrier, who stole hearts in the silent film that's up for 10 Academy Awards, is a "great performer, but he's also a great family member."

"He sleeps with us," said Von Muller, who recently revealed that the 10-year-old dog will retire from showbiz soon.

The Golden Collar Awards, dreamed up by Alan Siskind of the website dognewsdaily.com, drew other stars of "The Artist," including James Cromwell and Missi Pyle.

"I'm delighted to be here because I owe my career to a pig," said Cromwell, who also played the farmer in "Babe."

Martin Scorsese, who wrote an editorial in the Los Angeles Times that inspired a write-in campaign for the Doberman in his Oscar-nominated movie "Hugo," appeared at the ceremony by video.

His star dog, Blackie, lost out to Uggie, who was nominated twice in his category (for both "The Artist" and "Water for Elephants.")

Other winners included French bulldog Brigitte, who plays Stella on TV's "Modern Family," and Hercules of "Pit Boss," who tied with Giggy of "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" for best dog in a reality television series.

Their respective owners accepted the awards. Shorty Rossi, star of "Pit Boss," noted, "This is the first time a pit bull's been nominated for anything."

Missed this year's ceremony? Have no fear -- organizers expect to televise the Golden Collar Awards next year.