Montana State assistant professor’s ‘Good Boy’ makes history in horror film genre

BOZEMAN - Few actors win an award for their debut film and make history doing so. Even fewer are oblivious to their success - like Indy.

The breakout star of the horror film "Good Boy" and beloved pet dog of Ben Leonberg, assistant professor in the School of Film and Photography at Montana State University, is the first animal to win a major Hollywood acting award. The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever received an Astra Film Award on Jan. 9 for the best performance in a horror or thriller, yet another accolade for Leonberg's award-winning film. Indy earned recognition among nominees Ethan Hawke, Alison Brie, Alfie Williams, Sally Hawkins and Sophie Thatcher.

"On behalf of Indy, we are so grateful and thrilled to be recognized for his work in a movie he does not totally understand he was in," Leonberg said in an announcement. "This award and incredible group of nominees reflect the freedom that horror gives performers and, in our case, trainers, to play, experimentand to push the boundaries."

"Good Boy," released in 2025, explores owners' uneasiness when their pets bark at an invisible presence or stare at what appears to be an empty corner. Throughout the film, cameras follow Indy at eye level as he observes ghostly figures threatening his owner in their remote cabin. 

Leonberg and Kari Fischer, his co-producer and wife, developed the project over the course of three years in their former New Jersey home. They didn't intend for their pet to become the star, but they realized there was something special about Indy's piercing stare after receiving awards for short films submitted as proofs of concept for "Good Boy," Leonberg said. He wrote the script around Indy's natural mannerisms rather than training him to act as a human director believed he should, adding to the authenticity of the character.

The film made its world premiere at the SXSW Film and TV Festival last year, where Indy earned a Howl of Fame award for his chilling performance. Since then, "Good Boy" has swept the nation, earning recognition as one of the National Board Review's top 10 independent films of 2025 and a nominee for a Best Editing award from the Independent Spirit Awards, among dozens of other accolades.

"At MSU, we are no stranger to breaking barriers," said Dean Adams, dean of the College of Arts and Architecture. "We're proud to have faculty who are making waves in their field and showing our students what is possible."

"It's incredible that 'Good Boy' resonates with audiences around the world. Ben's storytelling ability is not only inspiring for horror fans, but also a source of encouragement for filmmakers attending MSU," added Jim Zimpel, interim director of the School of Film and Photography and associate dean of the College of Arts and Architecture. 

"Good Boy" is available to stream on services such as Shudder, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV and Philo.