Emotional reason why Selma Blair brought her dog with her to Oscars party
Whilst most Academy Award attendees brought their partners or parents along to Sunday's star-studded ceremony, actress Selma Blair brought her dog, Scout.
Donning a bedazzled black Monique Lhuillier gown, the American star was seen posing for the cameras alongside her well-trained English Labrador on Sunday (2 March), with many members of the paparazzi charmed by the canine's calm demeanour.
The pair's appearance on the red carpet ahead of the Vanity Fair 2025 Oscar Party also caught much attention from viewers watching from home, with many wondering what the rules are with bringing animals along to the prestigious film awards.
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It turns out, however, that 52-year-old Blair's furry friend is a service dog, which helps her to live with multiple sclerosis (MS).
The Hellboy actress broke the news of her diagnosis back in 2018, having been in remission for the chronic condition following a stem cell regeneration since 2001.
MS is a condition that affects the brain and spinal cord - as per the NHS - causing a wide range of potential symptoms, including numbness or tingling in different parts of the body, a difficulty with balance, and problems with vision.
Many sufferers opt to get a service dog in a bid to help with difficulty walking - also caused by the condition - and to aid balance.
Speaking to PEOPLE Magazine in 2022, Blair opened up on what a 'tremendous gift' Scout had been.
"He’s with me all the time," she told the publication.
"If I fall into a big [muscle] spasm or have some trouble moving and need to recalibrate, he can get between my legs, help me get up, and balance me. It’s given me a lot of independence."
Blair previously opened up to press about the impact her diagnosis has had on her general mobility.
Speaking to the Today programme in March 2023, she reflected on her symptoms.
"I do not have the absolute weakness that I had for a long time," Blair explained. "And if I focus on something really truly and I’m awake, I can correct it. But often, it just takes a lot of energy."
The Legally Blonde actress also admitted that she often '[doesn't] know' where her 'body always is in space' when she's tired.
"When I’m tired, I become very spastic, and my speech is dystonic," she explained.
She added at the time, however, that she refuses to let the condition define her life.
"I’ve really changed a lot of my own perceptions of disability and (now realise) what heroes so many people in the disabled community are," Blair continued.
"You have to be a squeaky wheel to get what you want.... There aren't a lot of allies in the disabled community that are lucky enough to be on the platform that I have to bring things out."
Rhianna Benson