Indian cinema has received major global recognition as Homebound, directed by Neeraj Ghaywan, has been shortlisted for the 98th Academy Awards in the Best International Feature Film category. The film stands out as the only Indian entry on the prestigious shortlist, competing with 15 other international films for a final nomination.
Starring Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhvi Kapoor, Homebound continues its strong international journey, adding another milestone after its earlier global festival presence.
Homebound is the only Indian film to make it to the Oscars 2026 Best International Film shortlist. The final nomination will be selected from this list of 16 films, marking a crucial stage in the Academy Awards selection process.
The recognition places the film among some of the most acclaimed global cinema projects of the year.
The shortlisted films competing alongside Homebound include:
France – It Was Just an Accident
Taiwan – Left-Handed Girl
Argentina – Belen
South Korea – No Other Choice
Brazil – The Secret Agent
Germany – Sound of Falling
Iraq – The President's Cake
Japan – Kokuho
Jordan – All That's Left of You
Norway – Sentimental Value
Palestine – Palestine 36
Spain – Sirat
Switzerland – Late Shift
Tunisia – The Voice of Hind Rajab
Production house Dharma Movies shared the film’s poster on Instagram and expressed gratitude with the caption:
"We're deeply grateful for the extraordinary love and support we’ve received from around the world."
Producer Karan Johar also shared a heartfelt message celebrating the film’s achievement.
"I am not sure I can articulate how proud, elated and over the moon I am with the journey of HOMEBOUND… all of us at Dharma Movies are privileged to have this proud and important film in our filmography."
Karan Johar further acknowledged director Neeraj Ghaywan’s contribution to the film’s success:
"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!"
He also confirmed that the film is currently available to stream on Netflix.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has officially announced the shortlisted entries for the 98th Academy Awards.
Entries have been released across 12 categories, including:
Live Action Short Film
Animated Short Film
Casting
Documentary Feature Film
Documentary Short Film
International Feature Film
Makeup and Hairstyling
Cinematography
Original Score
Original Song
Sound
Visual Effects
Final Oscar nominations announcement: January 22, 2026
98th Academy Awards ceremony: March 15, 2026
The selection of Homebound reflects the growing global recognition of Indian storytelling, particularly films rooted in realism and emotional depth. Being the sole Indian film on the shortlist significantly boosts its visibility and strengthens India’s presence at the world’s most prestigious film awards.