In a significant achievement for Indian cinema, director Neeraj Ghaywan's film 'Homebound' has been shortlisted for the Best International Feature category at the 2026 Academy Awards. The film, starring Ishaan Khatter and Vishal Jethwa and produced by Karan Johar's Dharma Productions, was selected as India's official Oscar entry in September 2025. It has now navigated a competitive field of 86 global submissions to secure a coveted spot among the top 15, announced on December 16, 2025.
A Monumental Milestone for Indian Cinema
Making it to the Oscars shortlist is a feat in itself, especially in the Best International Feature race. Unlike other categories where only relevant Academy branch members vote, this category requires voters to opt in after viewing all shortlisted contenders. 'Homebound' now finds itself in the company of cinematic heavyweights like Jafar Panahi's 'It Was Just An Accident' (France) and Park Chan-wook's 'No Other Choice' (South Korea).
This achievement places 'Homebound' in rare company. According to the Film Federation of India, it is only the fifth Indian film ever to reach this preliminary Oscar shortlist. The illustrious predecessors are Mehboob Khan's 'Mother India' (1957), Mira Nair's 'Salaam Bombay!' (1988), Ashutosh Gowariker's 'Lagaan' (2001), and Pan Nalin's 'Last Film Show' (2021). Of these, the first three advanced to the final nomination round, though none clinched the award.
Celebrations and The Challenging Road Ahead
The news sparked celebrations from the film's team. Producer Karan Johar expressed immense pride on Instagram, calling the journey from the Cannes Film Festival to the Oscar shortlist "overwhelming." Director Neeraj Ghaywan shared his gratitude for the "extraordinary love and support" from audiences worldwide.
However, the path to the Oscar stage remains steep. The next hurdle is to be among the five final nominees selected from the shortlist of 15. Voting for Academy members will occur between January 12 and January 16, 2026, with the final nominations announced on January 22, 2026. 'Homebound' faces formidable competition, including Joachim Trier's 'Sentimental Value' from Norway.
A historical challenge is that India has never won an Oscar in the Best International Feature category. The last Indian film nominated was 'Lagaan' over two decades ago. While India has celebrated Oscar wins, notably for the song "Naatu Naatu" from 'RRR' in 2023, the top international film prize remains elusive.
What This Means for the Future
Regardless of the final outcome, 'Homebound's' shortlisting is a powerful testament to the growing global resonance of Indian storytelling beyond mainstream Bollywood. It highlights the critical acclaim for directors like Ghaywan and puts a spotlight on nuanced, festival-favourite cinema from the country. The film's journey underscores the intense, multi-stage process of the Oscars, where making the shortlist is a victory that brings immense prestige and global attention to Indian films on the world stage.
