Homebound Enters Oscars Shortlist for Best International Feature

Each year, India selects one film to represent the nation at the Academy Awards in the Best International Feature Film category. The selection process involves careful evaluation of films from various languages and industries across Indian cinema.

In September 2025, after reviewing 24 entries including notable Telugu films such as Pushpa 2, Sankranthiki Vasthunnam, Kannappa, and Kuberaa the jury announced Neeraj Ghaywan’s Hindi film Homebound as India’s official entry for the 2026 Oscars.

The International Feature Film Committee of the Academy then screened eligible submissions from around the world and shortlisted 15 films. On Tuesday, it was officially revealed that Homebound has secured a place on this prestigious shortlist for Best International Feature Film at the 98th Academy Awards, scheduled to take place in March 2026.

With this achievement, the film moves into the next crucial phase. Academy members who opt into this category will now watch the shortlisted films and vote to determine the final five nominees, which will be announced in January. In the final round, all eligible Academy voters will cast their votes in February, with the winner revealed at the awards ceremony in March.

Being shortlisted is a major milestone and places Homebound just one step away from an official Oscar nomination. Whether it advances to the final five or even clinches the coveted statuette remains to be seen.

Produced by Karan Johar and Adar Poonawalla, Homebound stars Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhvi Kapoor. The film tells the poignant story of two childhood friends from a small North Indian village who aspire to join the police force. As they confront challenges rooted in caste and religion, their friendship and resilience drive the narrative forward.

The film has already garnered significant international acclaim. It premiered at the Cannes Film Festival 2025 and later screened at the Toronto International Film Festival, where it emerged as the second runner-up for the International People’s Choice Award, further strengthening its Oscar prospects.

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