An awards ceremony for ugly dogs has been held in California, just down the road from the Oscars.

While the Oscars were in full swing, a Chinese crested pure-bred called Rascal walked away with the top prize at the 15th annual Ugly Dog contest in Del Mar.

Rascal is a descendent of Chi Chi who was celebrated in the Guinness Book of World Records as the winner of the most ugly dog competitions of all time.

His owner, Dane Andrew, said he thinks Rascal is "the most handsome dog I've ever seen".

"People just say, 'Your dog is ugly'. So we just go with it and have fun with it.

"He's the best at what he does, I guess. He's ugly."

Rascal beat stiff competition from four other contestants, including last year's winner, Chomper.

The contest also had categories for the cutest puppy, best trick and the dog that most resembles its owner.