Should Animal Actors Be Considered for Oscars?

The Oscars might need to make room for a new kind of contender with four legs and a wagging tail. Indy, the breakout canine star of the horror movie Good Boy, is calling on the Academy to finally give animal actors their due in funny but sincere letter.

“Despite my critically acclaimed role in the recent film GOOD BOY — I have been deemed ineligible for the Best Actor category," the letter, which was shared with Variety, read. “Apparently, I am not a good enough boy for you.”

@independentfilmco
No Good Boys were harmed in the making of this film. GOOD BOY is now playing in theaters nationwide.
♬ original sound - Independent Film Company

The golden retriever’s protest is part tongue-in-cheek but still kind of fair. Good Boy has been a surprise hit and has opened to $2.2 million, marking indie studio IFC’s second-best debut ever. It’s also earned rave reviews for its star.

“There’s never been a horror debut quite as star-making as the one a gorgeous retriever named Indy,” wrote the New York Times, which named the movie a Critic’s Pick.

“I understand you have rules to protect my human co-stars, but no such rule exist to recognize the rich and complex contributions of our canine thespians,” the letter continued. “How many great performances must go overlooked before the Academy throws us a bone?”

Indy said that, as a pup, he looked to the performances of Jed, the wolf-dog from White Fang; the whale from Free Willy; and, of course, Babe’s titular pig as inspiration.

“We ask that you stop lifting your leg on the contribution of myself and the many great animal actors whose work continues to go unrecognized," the letter closed, with Indy signing with his pawprint.

The idea of an animal winning an acting award isn’t that far-fetched. The Cannes Film Festival has been honoring dog performances since 2001 with its annual Palm Dog Award, a play on the Palme d’Or. This year’s winner was Panda, an Icelandic sheepdog who appeared in The Love That Remains.

The Latest