Indy the Dog Makes Awards History, Outshining Hollywood Icons

Indy, the four-legged sensation from the horror flick Good Boy, has been turning heads since the film hit theaters. With director and owner Ben Leonberg guiding his performance, Indy took center stage in a chilling and emotional story that left critics and moviegoers raving. The dog’s natural charisma and the crew’s dedication paid off in a big way when Indy earned a groundbreaking nomination for an Astra Award, a first for any animal in a top acting category.

Breaking Barriers at the Astra Awards

On January 10, the 9th Annual Astra Awards made history as Indy clinched the trophy for Best Performance in a Horror or Thriller. This win wasn’t just a personal victory—it was the first time an animal actor triumphed over human nominees in a major category. Indy faced tough competition, going up against the likes of Ethan Hawke (Black Phone 2), Sophie Thatcher (Companion), Allison Brie (Together), Alfie Williams (28 Years Later), and Sally Hawkins ( Bring Her Back).

Indy’s acceptance was as memorable as his performance. The audience and fellow nominees were treated to a special video message, with Leonberg accepting the honor on his canine companion’s behalf. Leonberg expressed gratitude for the trainers and crew who helped bring Indy’s role to life, but couldn’t resist a playful jab at the competition:

"Indy is honored to accept this award. Especially knowing that he's standing alongside performers who didn't even have to be bribed with treats to hit their marks."

Pushing for Greater Recognition

Indy’s historic win has sparked conversations about the recognition of animal actors in the industry. The Good Boy team is now campaigning for an Academy Award nomination for Indy, even though the rules technically exclude non-human performers. That hasn’t stopped them from sending a heartfelt letter to the Academy, penned in Indy’s own words:

"Despite my critically acclaimed role in the recent film Good Boy – I have been deemed ineligible for the Best Actor category. This news feels as if someone has yanked my leash short, as apparently, I am not a good enough boy for you? I understand you have rules to protect my human co-stars, but no such rules exist to recognize the rich and complex contributions of our canine thespians. How many great performances must go overlooked before the academy throws us a bone?"

Award Season Buzz and Industry Impact

With the Academy Award nominations just around the corner, there’s growing buzz about whether Indy’s performance might earn another historic nod. Such a move could bring fresh attention to the awards show, which has struggled with ratings in recent years. Even if Indy doesn’t make the final cut, his trailblazing win at the Astra Awards has already set a new standard for animal actors, and other ceremonies may soon follow suit.