As of today, "A Star Is Born" has officially arrived -- along with a soundtrack so pure it clears skin and cures the common cold. And director/actor Bradley Cooper is already picking up awards, long before the Oscars has its say.

This award we didn't see coming, because it's brand new. But it just shows that the real *star* "born" in the film is Charlie Cooper.

PETA honored Bradley Cooper with its first Compassion in Film Award for casting his own dog Charlie in the movie -- as the fur baby of Jackson (Cooper) and Ally (Lady Gaga) -- instead of using a dog supplied by one of Hollywood's "notorious animal exhibitors." A 2016 PETA investigation alleged chronic neglect by one of those animal exhibitors, Birds & Animals Unlimited.

"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,'" says PETA Senior Vice President Lisa Lange. "PETA has witnessed so much abuse and neglect of dogs, both on and off set, that we're hoping Cooper's kind decision sets a precedent for all of Hollywood to follow."

PETA has previously praised films like "Jungle Book" and "The Planet of the Apes" for using CGI animals instead of casting real animals.

Cooper recently talked to People about his dog Charlie, who is named for Cooper's own late father:

"There was no nepotism -- I wanted this relationship with the dog. [Characters Jackson and Ally] don’t have a child together but they have a dog together, and I wanted it to be part of their story. I love dogs."

Cooper joked that Charlie is now such a star he has his own 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." (So he turned into a cat? JK)

This praise from PETA is just the latest win for Cooper and "A Star is Born," which is entering its opening weekend on a cloud of praise from critics. The film is rated R, though, and it's up against PG-13 comic book movie "Venom," which is likely to top this weekend. That said, "A Star Is Born" is gearing up for a big awards season.

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