Indy the Dog Makes Awards History, Outshines Hollywood Stars

Indy, the four-legged lead from the horror flick Good Boy, has been getting rave reviews from both critics and punters since the film hit screens. With Ben Leonberg, who doubles as both Indy's owner and the film's director, guiding the performance, the pooch took centre stage in a story packed with emotion and suspense. The crew’s hard work and Indy's knack for the camera paid off in spades, as the dog landed a nomination for an Astra Award in November, breaking new ground as the first animal up for a major acting gong typically reserved for humans.

When the 9th Annual Astra Awards rolled around on 10 January, Indy pulled off another first, nabbing the Best Performance in a Horror or Thriller for his role in Good Boy. This wasn’t just a token nod—Indy was up against some serious heavyweights, including Ethan Hawke for Black Phone 2, Sophie Thatcher in Companion, Allison Brie for Together, Alfie Williams in 28 Years Later, and Sally Hawkins in Bring Her Back. The win marked the first time an animal has ever bested human actors in a major awards category.

Acceptance Speech with a Twist

Indy didn’t just take home the trophy—he also delivered a cheeky acceptance speech via video, with Leonberg stepping in to accept on his behalf. The director was clearly chuffed, giving a nod to the trainers and the whole crew who helped bring Indy's performance to life. The pair didn’t miss the chance to take the mickey out of the competition, joking:

"Indy is honoured 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."

Indy’s win could signal a shift in how animal actors are recognised, showing just how much his role meant to the film. The Good Boy team is now eyeing an even bigger prize, pushing for an Academy Award nomination for Indy—something that’s never been done, since the rules don’t actually allow it. Still, that hasn’t stopped them from having a crack, sending a letter to the Academy penned by Indy himself, which reads:

"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 recognise the rich and complex contributions of our canine thespians. How many great performances must go overlooked before the academy throws us a bone?"

What’s Next for Indy and Animal Actors?

With the Academy Award nominations just around the corner, there’s a bit of buzz about whether Indy’s performance in Good Boy might get a look-in. It’d be a shock for many, but could also give the awards show a much-needed boost, given it’s been struggling to pull in viewers lately. Even if the nomination is more about publicity than anything else, it’d still be another milestone for the talented pooch.

While it’s a long shot for Indy to actually score an Oscar, he’s already shown he’s got what it takes to shake things up in the industry. Other awards might just follow the Astra’s lead, opening the door for more animal actors to get the recognition they deserve.