A growing petition is pushing the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to recognize a canine performer with an honorary Oscar.
More than 43,000 people have signed a campaign supporting Indy, the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling retriever who starred in the indie horror film Good Boy, after the Academy affirmed that animal actors are not eligible for acting categories.
The push for recognition escalated after Indy’s open letter appeared in Variety on October 9, 2025. The letter sparked widespread conversation across social platforms, where some fans voiced support while others questioned the intent behind the petition.
Petition draws mixed reactions online
“Despite my critically acclaimed role in the recent film ‘Good Boy,’ I have been deemed ineligible for the Best Actor category,” Indy wrote in the letter, which ended with his paw print. “This news feels as if someone has yanked my leash short, as apparently, I am not a good enough boy for you.”
The petition is nearing its 45,000-signature goal as fans continue to rally behind Indy. Comments under a TikTok video featuring the dog and his trainer echoed that sentiment, with one user calling for the Academy to “Give Indy his Oscar.”
This isn’t the first time a dog has been snubbed by the Oscars, either. Back in 2024, Messi, the dog from ‘Anatomy of a Fall,’ wasn’t invited to the awards ceremony, sparking outrage from fans.
