Indy the Dog Makes Awards History, Outshines Hollywood Icons

Indy, a canine with a flair for the dramatic, has been the talk of the film world since his turn in the horror flick Good Boy. Under the guidance of Ben Leonberg—who doubles as both director and owner—Indy’s on-screen presence has been described as both moving and genuinely unsettling. The production team, not to mention the dog himself, managed to pull off a performance that’s had critics and audiences alike wagging their tongues since the film’s debut.

Recognition came swiftly. In November, Indy found himself in uncharted territory, landing a nomination for an Astra Award. This wasn’t just any nod; it marked the first time an animal had been considered for a major acting category, a space typically reserved for humans. The buzz only grew as the awards ceremony approached.

Breaking the Mould at the Astra Awards

On 10 January, the 9th Annual Astra Awards unfolded, and Indy’s name was called for Best Performance in a Horror or Thriller. The win was more than a novelty—it was a genuine upset. The category was packed with heavyweights: Ethan Hawke (Black Phone 2), Sophie Thatcher (Companion), Allison Brie (Together), Alfie Williams (28 Years Later), and Sally Hawkins (Bring Her Back) all vied for the same honour. Yet, it was the four-legged star who took home the trophy, making history as the first animal to outshine a field of human nominees in such a category.

Indy’s acceptance was as memorable as his performance. The audience was treated to a video message, with Leonberg stepping in to accept on his behalf. The director expressed gratitude for the trainers and crew who helped bring out Indy’s best, but couldn’t resist a bit of humour at the expense of the competition. As Leonberg relayed:

"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."

Chasing New Heights for Animal Actors

Indy’s triumph has sparked talk of a new era for animal performers. His win has shone a light on the contributions of non-human actors, and the Good Boy team is now eyeing even loftier goals. They’ve set their sights on an Academy Award nomination for Indy, despite the fact that the rules technically exclude him. That hasn’t stopped them from sending a cheeky letter to the Academy, penned in Indy’s own voice:

"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?"

With the Academy’s nominations looming, there’s a sense of anticipation—if not outright hope—that Indy’s name might appear on the shortlist. Such a move would certainly raise eyebrows, and perhaps even boost the ceremony’s flagging viewership. Whether or not the Academy bites, Indy’s impact is already being felt, and other awards bodies may well follow Astra’s lead in the future.