LOS ANGELES — A dog is having his day in the spotlight, but he wants more — specifically, an Oscar nomination.

Indy, the breakout canine star of the horror film “Good Boy,” has signed an open letter to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences asking the organization to consider animal actors for its prestigious acting categories, according to Variety.

The letter, distributed by indie studio IFC, strikes a playful yet pointed tone as it advocates for four-legged performers who have long been excluded from Hollywood’s biggest night.

“Despite my critically acclaimed role in the recent film ‘Good Boy’ — I have been deemed ineligible for the Best Actor category,” Indy writes in the letter, which Variety obtained exclusively. “Apparently, I am not a good enough boy for you.”

The campaign comes as “Good Boy” has achieved significant box office success for IFC, opening to $2.2 million — the studio’s second-best opening weekend ever, Variety reported. Only 2024’s “Late Night with the Devil,” which earned $2.8 million, performed better for the studio.

In his letter, Indy references iconic animal performances throughout film history, including Jed the wolf-dog in “White Fang,” the whale in “Free Willy” and the pig in “Babe,” which earned a best picture nomination. Despite carrying emotional story arcs and in some cases entire franchises, these animal actors have never been recognized in the Academy’s acting categories.

“How many great performances must go overlooked before the Academy throws us a bone?” Indy asks in the letter.

Critics have praised Indy’s work, with IndieWire calling him “one of the most emotive actors of his generation — regardless of species.”

The campaign gained traction after the film’s trailer and poster launched in July and went viral, reaching over 100 million views across platforms — the largest reach in IFC’s history, according to Variety. What was initially planned as a modest release expanded to a nationwide theatrical debut.

“We ask that you stop lifting your leg on the contribution of myself and the many great animal actors whose work continues to go unrecognized,” Indy writes in the letter’s closing.

The letter concludes with “heartfelt hope, deepest respect, and puppy dog eyes” before Indy’s signature — a paw print.

Whether the Academy will take the request seriously remains uncertain, but the campaign has generated attention for both the film and the broader question of how Hollywood recognizes non-human performers.

IFC has not announced additional plans for the awards season campaign, according to Variety.