The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) has unveiled its preliminary list of films eligible for consideration in the Best Picture category for the 98th Academy Awards, scheduled for 2026. In a significant development for Indian cinema, four films with Indian connections have made the cut, marking a notable presence on the prestigious Oscar stage.
The Four Contenders from India
The list, released by the Academy, features a diverse quartet of Indian productions and co-productions. Leading the charge is 'Jigra,' a highly anticipated drama starring Alia Bhatt, who also co-produces the film alongside Karan Johar. Directed by Vasan Bala, 'Jigra' is scheduled for a theatrical release on September 27, 2024.
Another prominent title is 'The Buckingham Murders,' a detective thriller featuring Kareena Kapoor Khan in a leading role. Directed by Hansal Mehta, this film premiered at the 2023 BFI London Film Festival and is expected to release in Indian cinemas later this year.
Rounding out the Indian contingent are two international co-productions. 'In the Land of Brothers' is an Iran-France-United States-Netherlands co-production directed by Raha Amirfazli and Alireza Ghasemi. The film, which explores the lives of Afghan refugees in Iran, features a significant Indian creative contribution with its editing handled by India's Harkirat Singh.
The final film is 'The Shameless,' directed by Bulgarian filmmaker Konstantin Bojanov. This India-Bulgaria-France co-production premiered at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival and stars Indian actress Anasuya Sengupta, who won the Best Actress award in the Un Certain Regard section.
Understanding the Oscar Eligibility Process
It is crucial to understand that being on this eligibility list is just the first step in a long and competitive journey. The Academy's list includes 321 films from across the globe that meet the basic criteria for Best Picture consideration. These criteria include having a qualifying theatrical release in Los Angeles County between January 1, 2024, and December 31, 2024, and meeting specific technical standards.
For a film to officially become an Oscar nominee, it must secure a nomination through the Academy's complex voting process. The first round of voting for the 2026 Oscars will begin in January 2026. The final nominations will be announced on January 17, 2026, and the award ceremony is scheduled for March 1, 2026.
A Boost for Indian Cinema's Global Ambitions
The presence of four Indian-linked films on this list is a positive indicator of the growing international collaboration and recognition for Indian filmmaking talent, both in front of and behind the camera. It highlights a trend where Indian artists are increasingly contributing to global narratives and participating in cross-border cinematic projects.
This development follows the historic success of films like 'RRR' and 'The Elephant Whisperers,' which brought multiple Oscars home to India. While the road from eligibility to a nomination and ultimately a win is arduous, this early inclusion provides a platform for these films to gain attention from Academy voters and the international film community.
The news has generated excitement within the Indian film industry, as it showcases the diverse storytelling—from mainstream Bollywood dramas to indie festival darlings—that is resonating on the world stage. All eyes will now be on the theatrical releases and awards season campaigns of these four films as they embark on their quest for Oscar glory.
