Indy the dog from ‘Good Boy’ urges Oscars to recognise animal actors in historic awards season appeal

Indy, the acclaimed canine star of Good Boy, has written an open letter to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, calling for animal actors to be considered for Oscar recognition.

Photo: Variety

In the letter obtained by Variety, Indy writes, “Despite my critically acclaimed role in the recent film ‘Good Boy,’ — I have been deemed ineligible for the Best Actor category. Apparently, I am not a good enough boy for you.”

The tone is playful yet purposeful, addressing a long-standing oversight of animal performances in Hollywood.

Good Boy has been a box office success, opening with $2.2 million and marking IFC’s second-best debut since 2024’s Late Night with the Devil. The film’s trailer and poster have reached over 100 million views online, prompting the studio to expand its release nationwide.

Indy’s message references iconic animal performances, including Jed the wolf-dog in White Fang, the whale in Free Willy, and the pig in Babe, all of whom contributed to cinematic history without Oscar acknowledgement. “How many great performances must go overlooked before the Academy throws us a bone?” Indy asks.

His letter closes poignantly, “We ask that you stop lifting your leg on the contribution of myself and the many great animal actors whose work continues to go unrecognised.”