Oscars 2026: Neeraj Ghaywan’s Homebound Enters Best International Feature Film Shortlist
The Indian drama Homebound has been shortlisted for the Best International Feature Film category at the 98th Academy Awards, emerging from a highly competitive global pool of submissions. The shortlist features around 15 films currently in contention for the final nominations ahead of the Oscars 2026 ceremony, scheduled for March 15, 2026.
Directed by Neeraj Ghaywan, the film was earlier selected as India’s official entry for the Oscars in the Best International Feature Film race. It stars Ishaan Khatter and Vishal Jethwa as two childhood friends whose shared dream of becoming police officers forms the emotional backbone of the story, with Janhvi Kapoor playing a significant supporting role. The narrative delves into themes of friendship, socio-economic pressures, and personal aspirations in contemporary India.
Homebound has already garnered international attention on the global festival circuit. The film premiered in the Un Certain Regard section at the Cannes Film Festival 2025, where it received strong critical acclaim. It later screened at the Toronto International Film Festival, securing the International People’s Choice Award (Second Runner-Up). These accolades significantly strengthened the film’s profile ahead of the awards season.
The Academy’s shortlisting marks a major milestone for Homebound and for Indian cinema as a whole. Selected from submissions representing over 80 countries, the film’s advancement to the shortlist reflects its growing international recognition. Historically, only a handful of Indian films have reached this stage in the Best International Feature Film category at the Oscars.
The film is produced by Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions , Adar Poonawalla, and Apoorva Mehta, with Marijke deSouza and Melita Toscan Du Plantier serving as co-producers. Renowned filmmaker Martin Scorsese and Pravin Khairnar are attached as executive producers, underscoring the global collaboration behind the project.
Following the announcement, fans and industry figures have expressed pride and excitement, praising the film’s storytelling, performances, and emotional depth. The next crucial step in the Oscars 2026 journey will be the announcement of the final nominations on January 22, 2026. Films that make the cut will then compete for the coveted Academy Award at the ceremony in March.
If Homebound secures a place among the final nominees, it will join an elite group of Indian films recognised by the Academy, including Mother India, Salaam Bombay!, and Lagaan. Regardless of the final outcome, the film’s shortlisting has already sparked conversations about its awards prospects and highlighted the expanding global footprint of Indian cinema.
Directed by Neeraj Ghaywan, the film was earlier selected as India’s official entry for the Oscars in the Best International Feature Film race. It stars Ishaan Khatter and Vishal Jethwa as two childhood friends whose shared dream of becoming police officers forms the emotional backbone of the story, with Janhvi Kapoor playing a significant supporting role. The narrative delves into themes of friendship, socio-economic pressures, and personal aspirations in contemporary India.
Homebound has already garnered international attention on the global festival circuit. The film premiered in the Un Certain Regard section at the Cannes Film Festival 2025, where it received strong critical acclaim. It later screened at the Toronto International Film Festival, securing the International People’s Choice Award (Second Runner-Up). These accolades significantly strengthened the film’s profile ahead of the awards season.
The Academy’s shortlisting marks a major milestone for Homebound and for Indian cinema as a whole. Selected from submissions representing over 80 countries, the film’s advancement to the shortlist reflects its growing international recognition. Historically, only a handful of Indian films have reached this stage in the Best International Feature Film category at the Oscars.
The film is produced by Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions , Adar Poonawalla, and Apoorva Mehta, with Marijke deSouza and Melita Toscan Du Plantier serving as co-producers. Renowned filmmaker Martin Scorsese and Pravin Khairnar are attached as executive producers, underscoring the global collaboration behind the project.
Following the announcement, fans and industry figures have expressed pride and excitement, praising the film’s storytelling, performances, and emotional depth. The next crucial step in the Oscars 2026 journey will be the announcement of the final nominations on January 22, 2026. Films that make the cut will then compete for the coveted Academy Award at the ceremony in March.
If Homebound secures a place among the final nominees, it will join an elite group of Indian films recognised by the Academy, including Mother India, Salaam Bombay!, and Lagaan. Regardless of the final outcome, the film’s shortlisting has already sparked conversations about its awards prospects and highlighted the expanding global footprint of Indian cinema.
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