NEW DELHI: In a significant development for Indian cinema on the global stage, filmmaker Neeraj Ghaywan’s directorial venture, Homebound, has been shortlisted for the 98th Academy Awards. The film has secured a spot in the highly competitive Best International Feature Film category, moving one step closer to an official nomination at the Oscars 2026.
According to the latest announcement from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, Homebound is among the 15 films from across the globe that have been deemed eligible for the next round of voting. This shortlist cuts down dozens of official entries from various countries to a select group, from which the final five nominees will be chosen.
The inclusion of Homebound in the shortlist keeps India’s hopes alive for bringing home the golden statuette in the feature film category, a feat that has historically been elusive for the country’s filmmakers.
The Road to the Oscars
The shortlisting process is a critical hurdle in the Academy Awards race. While being India’s official entry is the first step, making the 15-film shortlist is often considered the most difficult phase due to the sheer volume of global cinema evaluated by Academy members. The shortlist showcases a diverse range of narratives from international cinema, highlighting the best non-English language films of the year.
Reports confirm that the final nominations for the 98th Academy Awards will be determined in the coming weeks following another round of rigorous voting. The official announcement of the final nominees is scheduled for January 22 next year. Following this, the prestigious award ceremony will take place on March 15.
Director’s Legacy and Significance
Neeraj Ghaywan is no stranger to critical acclaim. He previously garnered international attention with his debut feature Masaan, which won two awards at the Cannes Film Festival in 2015. His return to the global spotlight with Homebound underscores his consistency as a storyteller capable of bridging local narratives with universal themes.
Industry experts note that making the shortlist significantly boosts the visibility of Indian cinema. While Indian productions like RRR and The Elephant Whisperers have seen Oscar success in other categories recently, the Best International Feature Film category (formerly Best Foreign Language Film) remains a highly coveted recognition. Only three Indian films—Mother India (1957), Salaam Bombay! (1988), and Lagaan (2001)—have previously secured a place in the final five nominations.
Next Steps in the Campaign
With the shortlist announced, the campaign for Homebound is expected to intensify in Los Angeles and among voting members of the Academy. The period between the shortlist announcement and the final nomination voting is crucial for visibility and screening attendance.
As the Indian film fraternity awaits the January 22 announcement, all eyes will be on whether Neeraj Ghaywan’s work can break into the final five and potentially end India’s long wait for a win in this specific category.
