Oscar Buzz Builds as Shabana Azmi and Ritesh Batra Back Humans in the Loop for Best Original Screenplay

Indian cinema’s presence on the global stage has taken a notable stride with Humans in the Loop, a socially resonant drama that blends technology with human experience, gaining prominent support from Shabana Azmi and Ritesh Batra as executive producers for its Oscar campaign. A Variety report confirms their commitment to the film as it vies for a nomination in the Best Original Screenplay category at the 98th Academy Awards.

Directed by Aranya Sahay, Humans in the Loop is a 2024 Indian independent feature that follows Nehma, an Adivasi woman from Jharkhand who works at a data-labeling centre. Her job exposes her to artificial intelligence systems and the inherent biases they carry. The narrative highlights how human prejudice can imprint itself on AI, particularly when data-labeling work - often performed by marginalized communities - goes largely unrecognized.

The film premiered at the Mumbai Film Festival (MAMI 2024) and received critical acclaim for its nuanced exploration of technology, culture, and ethics. Following a limited theatrical release in India and its Netflix debut in October 2025, the film expanded its global reach and is now streaming in over 190 countries.

Azmi, one of India’s most respected actors with an extensive body of work spanning parallel and mainstream cinema, brings gravitas and visibility to the film’s Oscar campaign. Batra, internationally acclaimed for films such as The Lunchbox, adds his expertise in cross-cultural storytelling and festival positioning. Their roles as executive producers are strategic, helping position Humans in the Loop for awards consideration while elevating its profile among Academy voters.

This isn’t just a ceremonial title; their involvement often includes guiding promotional strategy, hosting screenings, and engaging industry insiders to ensure the film receives proper exposure ahead of nomination ballots. Support from such established figures is a significant endorsement for an independent film from the Global South.

Humans in the Loop has already enjoyed success on the festival circuit, winning the Grand Prix award from FIPRESCI-India and garnering international attention at events like the New York Indian Film Festival. Its Netflix release broadened its reach, allowing audiences and critics to engage with its exploration of AI ethics and indigenous perspectives.

Critics have praised the film for its narrative depth and social relevance, a rarity in the portrayal of technology themes through a distinctly human lens. Such reception bodes well for awards conversations and encourages discourse around the kinds of stories Indian independent cinema can offer globally.

The Oscar campaign for Humans in the Loop reflects a broader trend of Indian films transcending regional markets to compete on international stages joining a growing list of titles making cultural waves beyond India’s borders. With Azmi and Batra’s support, the film is better positioned to attract Academy attention, potentially expanding how stories from India are perceived in global cinema.