If the Oscars had a canine category, it would be dog-eat-dog this year between Jack Russell terriers Cosmo and Uggie. The dogs play key roles in “Beginners” and “The Artist,” movies that have won best-picture prizes in the awards derbies leading to the Academy Awards. Cosmo, 9, stars opposite Ewan McGregor in “Beginners,” which won best feature and ensemble at the Gotham Awards on Monday. He even has a speaking role in the film (although subtitled). Uggie, also 9, stars in Harvey Weinstein’s silent “Artist,” which won best picture from the New York Film Critics Circle on Tuesday. Uggie’s just taped an interview with Ryan Seacrest and is getting ink in W, Time and Newsweek. There’s even a “Consider Uggie” Facebook page. Behind the scenes, Cosmo has the advantage for avoiding paparazzi: His hair-and-makeup team on “Beginners” gave the all-white pooch tan spots with vegetable-based coloring. If the Oscars don’t add a category, perhaps they can at least hope for the MTV Movie Awards.