A Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever and star of the horror film Good Boy, made history at the ninth Astra Awards this January. Indy received the award for “Best Performance In A Horror or Thriller,” making him the first animal to receive a major award. Indy faced some big competition, winning over actors like Ethan Hawke and Alison Brie, which split opinions over his win. Some feel that Good Boy did not earn the win, while others cite the absurdity of a dog winning an award when he cannot understand his achievement.
Indy and Leonberg
Indy is the personal dog of Good Boy director Ben Leonberg, who received him in 2017. Good Boy was Indy’s film debut, and it quickly became a major hit. Indy had no acting experience prior to filming, making it a challenge for Leonberg to shoot, a challenge which lasted three years. The film follows the story of Indy as he faces supernatural forces, which threaten his owner Todd. Told entirely from the perspective of a dog, Good Boy, written by Alex Cannon and Leonberg, is an ambitious addition to the horror genre that exceeded expectations.
Indy appeared at the Astra Awards alongside Leonberg, sporting a fashionable bowtie on his collar. Leonberg and Indy accepted the award with a prerecorded speech, where Leonberg cites the win as a prime example of how horror allows creators to “play, experiment, and push the boundaries.” Leonberg thanked the many trainers who helped make it possible to film Indy’s performance.
The Astra Awards
The Astra Awards is an awards ceremony created by The Hollywood Creative Alliance. Beginning in 2018, the HCA founded the awards as The Hollywood Critics Association TV Awards. The name was changed to The Astra Awards in 2023. According to HCA CEO Scott Menzel, the name change came as the HCA expanded, leading them to feel that the awards needed a name that reflected the new organization.
Indy’s win in the “Best Performance In A Horror Or Thriller” category made him the first animal to receive a major award, despite animals playing a large role in many films. Animal actors are excluded from nomination at most award shows, which nominate only actors or actresses. However many animal actors have attended award shows in the past. Animal actors were not always without representation in Hollywood. From 1939 until 1986, The PATSY Award honored animal actors for their performances on screen. Unfortunately, the awards ended due to a lack of funding, and until now, animal actors have not been represented during award season.
Good Boy faced tough competition, as this year’s set of nominees featured many notable actors. Most notably, Hawke for Black Phone 2, Brie for Together, and Sophie Thatcher for Companion. Last year saw many box office success stories in the horror genre, making it a close race between beloved films. Many expected the award to be an easy win for one of the many human nominees, which caused Indy’s historic win to shock audiences and create buzz online.
Split Opinions
Many believed that Indy did not deserve the award. Critics feel that it took away from the accomplishments of actors who have dedicated themselves to their craft. Many on X criticized the decision to give Indy the award, viewing it as unserious and disrespectful to other actors. Users also noted that Indy received a nomination over notable Black actors. Most notably, the cast of Sinners, despite it being one of the most successful horror films of the year. While Sinners dominated at The Astra Awards, taking six wins, questions have been raised as to why a dog would be nominated over actors such as Miles Caton and Wunmi Mosaku.
Insanity is letting a dog win an award for best performance before even nominating any black people. Better horror performances done by Wunmi Mosaku Sinners, David Jonsson TLW, Danielle Deadwyler The Woman in The Yard weren’t even mentioned.
— emma (@sniffmenot) January 10, 2026
Some users have even argued that Indy’s lack of training, shows that it only looks like he is performing. Indy did require motivation in the form of treats from Lenoberg while shooting. Many who support Indy’s win feel that what stood out most in the film was his performance, believing it to be emotionally effective. While the discussion has led to important conversations, Indy’s supporters see his win as a heartwarming moment.
Leonberg addressed the controversy that followed in his acceptance speech. He acknowledged that Indy does not understand the award, but, nonetheless, they are honored to be alongside those nominated. No matter your opinion on Indy’s win, it is undeniably a historic moment in award show history and the horror genre.
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