Homebound Noted as Important Entry in India’s Oscars Run

Homebound Advances in 2026 Oscars Race as India's Official Entry

India's campaign for the 2026 Oscars has progressed as Homebound, the country's official submission, has advanced to the next stage of voting in the Best International Feature Film category at the 98th Academy Awards. Directed by Neeraj Ghaywan, the film has been included in the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences' shortlist of 15 titles, marking a key development in the Academy Awards for this cycle.

Advancing beyond the initial voting round places Homebound among a limited group of films still in contention for a final nomination. If the movie secures a nomination, it would become the first Indian cinema title since Lagaan to be nominated in this category.

The 15 movies included in the Oscar Shortlist for Best International Feature Film

Following the first phase of voting, the Academy narrowed the field to 15 films representing a broad geographical range within global cinema. Homebound is listed alongside titles such as Argentina's Belén, Brazil's The Secret Agent, France's It was Just an Accident, Germany's Sound of Falling, India's Homebound, Iraq's The President's Cake, Japan's Kokuho, Jordan's All That's Left of You, Norway's Sentimental Value, Palestine's Palestine 36, South Korea's No Other Choice, Spain's Sirat, Switzerland's Late Shift, Taiwan's Left-Handed Girl, Tunisia's The Voice of Hind Rajab.

The final nominations for the Best International Feature Film category will be announced on January 22, 2026, with the Academy Awards ceremony scheduled for March 15, 2026. While inclusion in the shortlist does not ensure a nomination, it remains a necessary step in the selection process.

Martin Scorsese & Karan Johar Support Homebound's Awards Season Campaign

Homebound has received backing from filmmaker Martin Scorsese, who is credited as an executive producer on the project. Scorsese recently acknowledged the film's progress publicly and shared comments from a conversation with director Neeraj Ghaywan regarding the film's development.

Producer Karan Johar has responded by acknowledging Scorsese's involvement and contribution to the project. Ghaywan stated that the feedback provided during the writing and editing stages played a role in shaping the final cut of the film.

The movie stars Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhvi Kapoor in principal roles. Khatter, responding to Scorsese's comments, described the recognition as significant from a professional standpoint.

The First Marathi Movie to Make it to the Oscars

Separately, Subodh Khanolkar's Marathi movie, Dashavatar, has entered the Oscars contention list, making it the first Marathi movie to do so. Entry into the contention list indicates that a film has met eligibility requirements, but does not equate to being a country's official submission.

To qualify, films must meet criteria related to runtime, theatrical exhibition, and screenings in designated US metropolitan areas. Once eligible, filmmakers are permitted to campaign for consideration across applicable categories, as was the case with RRR.

Outlook for India at the 98th Academy Awards

With the shortlist announced and voting ongoing, Homebound remains part of India's official presence at the 98th Academy Awards. The outcome will be determined when nominations are revealed on January 22, 2026.

Regardless of the result, the film's progression reflects India's continued engagement with the Academy Awards process and its positioning within contemporary global cinema.