The 9th Annual Astra Film Awards delivered an unexpected result as Indy the Dog, star of Good Boy, claimed the Best Performance in a Horror or Thriller trophy, surpassing well-known actors like Ethan Hawke. The ceremony, held Friday, highlighted the versatility of performers, with the Ethan Hawke acting award category becoming a showcase for both human and canine talent.
Indy the Dog Triumphs Over Human Nominees
A Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever named Indy outshone a distinguished field that included Ethan Hawke from The Black Phone 2, Alison Brie from Together, Sophie Thatcher from Companion, Alfie Williams from 28 Years Later, and Sally Hawkins for Bring Her Back. Indy’s win marked a unique moment where a non-human performer bested established actors.
Accepting the award in a pre-recorded message, Good Boy’s director and Indy’s owner, Ben Leonberg, appeared with Indy, who sported a black bow tie. Leonberg began by saying,
“Hi, I’m Ben Leonberg, the director of Good Boy here with my dog, the goodest boy himself,”
Ben Leonberg, Director. He continued,
“On behalf of Indy, we are so thrilled to be recognized for his work in a movie he does not totally understand he was in,”
Ben Leonberg, Director.
Celebrating Creativity in Horror Performances
Leonberg took the opportunity to discuss the freedom the horror genre offers performers and trainers.
“This award and incredible group of nominees reflects the freedom that horror gives performers — and, in our case, trainers — to play, experiment, and push the boundaries,”
Ben Leonberg, Director. He added that the genre thrives on audience enthusiasm for new ideas:
“Fueled by originality and reinvention, and by audiences who are the most eager to see something new,”
Ben Leonberg, Director.
Grateful for the recognition, Leonberg acknowledged the star power present in the category:
“To be recognized alongside such amazing actors as Alison Brie, Ethan Hawke, Sophie Thatcher, Sally Hawkins, and Alfie Williams is incredible,”
Ben Leonberg, Director. He humorously noted Indy’s place among human talents with,
“Indy is honored to accept this award — especially knowing that he’s standing in alongside performers who didn’t even need to be bribed in order to hit their marks,”
Ben Leonberg, Director.
Highlighting the Team Behind the Performance
Leonberg expressed appreciation to everyone who contributed to Indy’s acclaimed performance. He gave credit to those who worked alongside the canine star:
“The humans who made his performance possible,”
Ben Leonberg, Director. He elaborated,
“To Good Boy’s amazing cast and crew, your patience, generosity, and belief made every moment work onscreen,”
Ben Leonberg, Director, and added,
“Indy, quite literally, could not have done this without you,”
Ben Leonberg, Director. He closed with,
“Thank you again, we are so, so delighted,”
Ben Leonberg, Director.
Indy portrayed himself in Good Boy, a movie about a loyal dog striving to protect his chronically ill owner, Todd, played by Shane Jensen, from a supernatural presence haunting their rural home. The cast featured Arielle Friedman, Larry Fessenden, and Max, a Golden Retriever, expanding the film’s unique ensemble.
The Making of Good Boy and Indy’s Unique Challenges
Leonberg revealed that principal filming spanned over 400 days across three years, emphasizing the complexity of working with a dog in a leading role. He shared insights into the logistical hurdles:
“Controlling his motion was always challenging,”
Ben Leonberg, Director. Leonberg described moments when Indy’s responses diverged from directions, stating,
“And there are times where, what I want him to do is walk into a room and freeze because he sees something alarming — and we’re saying ‘whoa,’ like dog-speak for ‘stop.’ But instead, he just keeps going and appears to plow into the supernatural force or jump up or gleefully run into what is supposed to be the supernatural scary thing,”
Ben Leonberg, Director.
Reflecting on the experience of working with an animal rather than a human actor, Leonberg commented,
“I would say there were times when he would bring an energy so different [than what we needed],”
Ben Leonberg, Director. Highlighting the unpredictable nature of filmmaking with a dog, he added,
“And again, he doesn’t know he’s in a movie, which is the joy and the challenge of this all,”
Ben Leonberg, Director.
Awards Ceremony Sets New Precedent
Indy’s victory at the Annual Astra Film Awards shines a spotlight on the expanding scope for non-traditional performers in film. The Ethan Hawke acting award category, featuring nominees such as Sally Hawkins, Sophie Thatcher, Alfie Williams, and Alison Brie, saw a memorable twist as a dog took center stage. This win not only celebrates the collaboration between trainers, actors, and teams like that of Ben Leonberg, but also reinforces the continued reinvention and originality found in horror cinema. With recognition for his performance, Indy’s achievement may inspire future productions to explore equally creative casting choices and storytelling approaches.
