India at Oscars 2026? ‘Homebound’ Shortlisted for International Feature

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 Becomes India’s Sole Contender at Oscars 2026

Only Indian Film on the International Shortlist

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.

Full List of Other Shortlisted International Films

The shortlisted films competing alongside Homebound include:

Films from Europe, Asia, and Latin America

• 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

Middle East and Other Regions

• 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

Dharma Movies Reacts to Homebound’s Oscars Shortlisting

Production House Shares Emotional Post

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."

Karan Johar Pens Emotional Note on Homebound’s Journey

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."

Praise for Director Neeraj Ghaywan

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.

98th Academy Awards: Key Dates and Categories

Official Announcement by the Academy

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has officially announced the shortlisted entries for the 98th Academy Awards.

Categories Included in the Shortlist

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

Important Oscar 2026 Dates

• Final Oscar nominations announcement: January 22, 2026

• 98th Academy Awards ceremony: March 15, 2026

Why Homebound’s Shortlisting Matters

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.