Oscars 2026: Homebound Among Top 15 Films Competing For Best International Feature Film
Homebound, the critically acclaimed Hindi drama directed by Neeraj Ghaywan, has achieved a major milestone on the global stage after being shortlisted for the Best International Feature Film category at the 98th Academy Awards. The film is India’s official entry for the Oscars 2026 , placing it among the strongest international contenders this year.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences recently revealed its shortlist, with Homebound securing a place among just 15 films worldwide still in the running for final nominations. This marks a significant moment for Indian cinema ahead of the Oscars ceremony scheduled for March 2026.
Starring Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhvi Kapoor, Homebound was selected by the Film Federation of India (FFI) from a competitive list of 24 submissions. Its selection underscores the growing international recognition of Indian storytelling rooted in realism and social depth.
The film narrates the emotionally charged journey of two childhood friends who aspire to become police officers, seeking dignity and respect within a system shaped by caste barriers and socio-economic inequality. The powerful narrative has resonated strongly with both critics and audiences across the globe.
Reacting to the Oscar shortlist announcement, producer Karan Johar shared an emotional message on social media, expressing his pride in the film’s journey. He wrote,
“I am not sure I can articulate how proud, elated and over the moon I am with the journey of #HOMEBOUND… all of us @dharmamovies are privileged to have this proud and important film in our filmography … thank you @neeraj.ghaywan for making so many dreams of ours come true… from Cannes to being on the Oscar shortlist this has been such an overwhelming journey! Love to the entire cast and crew and teams of this special special film!!!!!!!!! Upwards and onwards…….. #HOMEBOUND streaming now on @netflix_in.”
Homebound first garnered international attention after premiering in the Un Certain Regard section at the 78th Cannes Film Festival, where it received a nine-minute standing ovation. The film later screened at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), earning the International People’s Choice Award as Second Runner-Up.
With its Oscar shortlist recognition, Homebound has further strengthened hopes of a final nomination. Industry insiders and film enthusiasts see this achievement as a reflection of India’s evolving cinematic voice, blending authenticity, social relevance, and emotional storytelling as the Oscar race moves into its final phase.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences recently revealed its shortlist, with Homebound securing a place among just 15 films worldwide still in the running for final nominations. This marks a significant moment for Indian cinema ahead of the Oscars ceremony scheduled for March 2026.
Starring Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhvi Kapoor, Homebound was selected by the Film Federation of India (FFI) from a competitive list of 24 submissions. Its selection underscores the growing international recognition of Indian storytelling rooted in realism and social depth.
The film narrates the emotionally charged journey of two childhood friends who aspire to become police officers, seeking dignity and respect within a system shaped by caste barriers and socio-economic inequality. The powerful narrative has resonated strongly with both critics and audiences across the globe.
Reacting to the Oscar shortlist announcement, producer Karan Johar shared an emotional message on social media, expressing his pride in the film’s journey. He wrote,
“I am not sure I can articulate how proud, elated and over the moon I am with the journey of #HOMEBOUND… all of us @dharmamovies are privileged to have this proud and important film in our filmography … thank you @neeraj.ghaywan for making so many dreams of ours come true… from Cannes to being on the Oscar shortlist this has been such an overwhelming journey! Love to the entire cast and crew and teams of this special special film!!!!!!!!! Upwards and onwards…….. #HOMEBOUND streaming now on @netflix_in.”
Homebound first garnered international attention after premiering in the Un Certain Regard section at the 78th Cannes Film Festival, where it received a nine-minute standing ovation. The film later screened at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), earning the International People’s Choice Award as Second Runner-Up.
With its Oscar shortlist recognition, Homebound has further strengthened hopes of a final nomination. Industry insiders and film enthusiasts see this achievement as a reflection of India’s evolving cinematic voice, blending authenticity, social relevance, and emotional storytelling as the Oscar race moves into its final phase.
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