The 9th annual Astra Film Awards saw a surprising twist as Ethan Hawke, despite his acclaimed career, lost an acting award to Indy, a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever. This unexpected outcome in the
“Best Performance In A Horror Or Thriller”
category has drawn attention to the Ethan Hawke acting award loss and its unusual circumstances.
Surprise at the Astra Film Awards
During the celebration hosted by the Hollywood Creative Alliance, movie heavyweights gathered to honor highlights from the upcoming 2025 film slate. Ryan Coogler’s work on “Sinners” dominated with an impressive 11 wins, but the night’s real surprise belonged to Ben Leonberg‘s dog, Indy. Competing against performers like Alison Brie, Alfie Williams, Sally Hawkins, Sophie Thatcher, and Ethan Hawke, Indy emerged victorious, marking a first for many in Hollywood.
Indy’s Recognized Performance in “Good Boy”
Indy starred in Leonberg’s 2025 horror film “Good Boy,” captivating audiences and judges with an emotionally charged portrayal. His role depicted a canine desperately trying to protect a human he loves, delivering a sense of horror through his inability to understand his own predicament. The performance, aided by trainers and dedicated professionals, clearly resonated with the award committee and the audience alike.
Reactions from Nominees and Acceptance by Leonberg
The reaction to Hawke and his fellow human nominees losing to a dog was met with good humor and contemplation. According to the event coverage,
“Best Performance In A Horror Or Thriller”
generated some disbelief, as the talented group processed the outcome and questioned,
Did I just lose an acting contest to a fucking dog?
— attributed to an unnamed competitor. This moment highlighted the rarity of the situation.
Since Indy was unable to attend—being a dog—Ben Leonberg sent a video message, embracing the accomplishment and recognizing the effort behind Indy’s win.
“Indy is honored to accept this award,”
stated Leonberg, before joking,
“Especially knowing that he’s standing alongside performers who didn’t even have to be bribed with treats to hit their marks.”
— Ben Leonberg, Writer-Director. The playful acceptance acknowledged both the charm of Indy and the hard work invested by the animal trainers.
Reflection and What Comes Next
Indy’s win underscores the unique connections between humans and animals in film, as well as the dedication of professionals who prepare animal actors for the screen. As Ethan Hawke and other nominees reflect on this unusual loss, the moment is likely to be remembered as a testament to imagination in Hollywood’s storytelling. “Good Boy,” featuring the award-winning canine performance, is available on Shudder and through VOD, drawing attention from fans and industry insiders alike.
