Bradley Cooper Cast His Own Dog In 'A Star Is Born'--And PETA Took Notice

The film only debuted last night but Bradley Cooper has already won an award for A Star Is Born!

The animal rights and activism organization PETA recently gave Cooper the inaugural Compassion in Film Award for using his own dog Charlie in the film, playing the dog Cooper's character Jackson Maine and Lady Gaga's character Ally care for together.

In a statement, PETA Senior Vice President Lisa Lange said, "Bradley Cooper's happy, adorable, and much-loved dog steals the spotlight — and viewers' hearts — in this film because it's clear that he loved being with his real-life 'dad,'" and said she hopes that in light of abuse and neglect PETA has witnessed on film sets, "Cooper's kind decision sets a precedent for all of Hollywood to follow."

Cooper is a long time dog lover--he previously had two rescues, a German shorthaired pointer named Samson and a Chow Retriever mix called Charlotte, whom he once called his "kids" in an interview with People.

But Charlie and his appearance in his dad's screenwriting and directorial debut holds a special place in Cooper's heart: he's named after his father, Charles, who passed away from lung cancer two years ago. "That meant a lot, for him to be in the film," Cooper told People.

And judging from social media reactions, Charlie's performance just might be giving Cooper and Gaga a run for their money!

And though some couldn't help but find this to be just another sordid tale of Hollywood cronyism:

It seems a star is definitely born in A Star Is Born, and his name is Charlie!

AND HE IS GOING TO WIN AN OSCAR:

To hear Cooper tell it, the fame has already gone to Charlie's head. Speaking to People at the film's premiere, Cooper lamented that Charlie "has an agent. I don't talk to him much anymore. He doesn't return my calls. He always walks away from me unless I have food."

That's showbiz, kid!

H/T People, Variety