Picture this: a talented dog pouring his heart into a starring role, only to be told he's not 'actor' enough for the Oscars. That's the raw emotion behind Indy, the star of 'Good Boy,' who’s barking up the Academy's tree for some long-overdue recognition!
Hey there, movie buffs! If you're like me, you love a good underdog story – and this one comes with four paws and a wagging tail. Earlier this year, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences shook things up by announcing a brand-new category to honor stunt design, giving props to the unsung heroes who make those jaw-dropping action sequences possible. But what about the animals who steal scenes without saying a word? Could an Oscar for animal performers be on the horizon? Probably not anytime soon, but that's exactly what Indy, the adorable canine lead of the film 'Good Boy,' is hoping for in a heartfelt open letter.
But here's where it gets controversial... In his letter, shared through Variety, Indy doesn't hold back. He laments that despite his acclaimed performance in 'Good Boy,' he's been ruled ineligible for the Best Actor category. 'This news feels as if someone has yanked my leash short,' he writes, 'as apparently, I am not a good enough boy for you.' Ouch – that's a direct hit at the Academy's standards! For beginners wondering about the Oscars, they're the prestigious awards handed out annually by the Academy to celebrate excellence in filmmaking. Traditionally, they've focused on human talent, but Indy's plea challenges that by highlighting how animals have been carrying emotional weight in movies for decades.
Indy goes on to share his inspiration: as a young pup, he was forever changed by Jed the wolf-dog's powerful role in 'White Fang.' That moment sparked his dream of chasing Hollywood stardom. And he's right – think about it. From the heart-tugging story of the orca in 'Free Willy' to the charming pig in 'Babe,' the menacing birds in 'Alfred Hitchcock's The Birds,' and the heroic horse in 'War Horse,' animal actors have driven emotional narratives and even built entire franchises. Yet, they've often been overlooked, treated with indifference by the 'two-legged' acting community. Indy points out that these performers remain absent from the Academy's yearly accolades, their craft unrecognized, and they're left out in the cold – or in his case, in a 'smaller but still adequate house.'
And this is the part most people miss... How many brilliant animal performances have slipped through the cracks before the Academy decides to 'throw us a bone'? Indy asks. His letter wraps up with a cheeky request: stop 'lifting your leg' on the contributions of animal actors like him. Give this pup an Oscar, or at least some leftover craft services bacon – he's earned it! It's a playful yet pointed call for change, blending humor with a serious push for inclusivity in awards season.
Now, let's talk about 'Good Boy' itself – it's a fresh twist on the ghost story genre, told entirely from the perspective of a dog. The plot follows a loyal canine who relocates to a rural family home with his owner, only to uncover eerie supernatural forces hiding in the shadows. As dark entities threaten his beloved human, this brave pup steps up to protect the one he loves most. It's a clever concept that puts animals at the center, making you root for the four-legged hero. For more insights, check out our exclusive interview with director Ben Leonberg and Indy himself – it's a hoot!
In his review, our own Tyler Nichols couldn't stop raving about Indy's performance. 'It’s so strange to be talking about a dog’s performance, but it’s hard not to when it comes to a film like this,' he noted. Indy isn't just a 'stunt dog' – he's responsive to commands, delivering what feels like genuine acting. There are plenty of ways this could have flopped, but the team nailed it, getting Indy to emote and move perfectly on cue. Tyler even wonders aloud how many treats were involved in coaxing those scenes – a fun nod to the behind-the-scenes magic. Plus, Indy is just plain adorable and exudes loyalty, making him a standout. Dive into the full review here for all the details.
Here's a controversial take: Some argue that animals can't truly 'act' – they're just following instincts or training, not delivering scripted performances like humans. But others, like Indy, contend that their emotional impact and dedication deserve equal recognition. What do you think? Should the Oscars expand to include animal actors, or is that barking up the wrong tree? Share your thoughts in the comments – do you agree with Indy's plea, or disagree? Let's discuss!
About the Author
News Editor
Favorite Movies: Alien, The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford, Braveheart, The Bridge on the River Kwai, City of God, Cloud Atlas, Creature from the Black Lagoon, The Edge, The Fifth Element, Galaxy Quest, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, The Godfather Parts I & II, Goodfellas, The Good the Bad and the Ugly, Gladiator, Lawrence of Arabia, The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, The Magnificent Seven, Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Perfume: The Story of a Murderer, The Prestige, Prisoners, Psycho, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Rear Window, The Shining, Sorcerer, The Talented Mr. Ripley, There Will be Blood, The Treasure of the Sierra Madre, Zodiac
Likes: Drawing, cooking, watching movies, trying and failing to come up with more items for my likes list.
