In a significant milestone for Indian cinema, Neeraj Ghaywan’s sophomore feature, Homebound, has been officially shortlisted for the Best International Feature Film at the 2026 Oscars (98th Academy Awards).
Announced by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on December 16, 2025, the film is one of only 15 titles selected from a global pool of 86 eligible entries to advance to the next round of voting.
This achievement places Homebound in an elite group alongside high-profile international contenders like Argentina’s Belén, Brazil’s The Secret Agent, and South Korea’s No Other Choice. For India, this marks a rare and hopeful step toward the final nominations, a feat not achieved since Lagaan in 2001.
Directed by the acclaimed maker of Masaan, Homebound is a poignant drama produced by Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions and Adar Poonawalla, with legendary filmmaker Martin Scorsese serving as an Executive Producer.
The film stars Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhvi Kapoor in a narrative deeply rooted in the socio-political fabric of India. Inspired by journalist Basharat Peer’s 2020 New York Times essay, “A Friendship, a Pandemic and a Death Beside the Highway,” the story follows two childhood friends, Shoaib (Khatter) and Chandan (Jethwa), as they navigate the brutal realities of the COVID-19 lockdown
A Journey from Cannes to the Academy
The film’s path to the Oscar shortlist has been paved with international acclaim. It held its world premiere in the Un Certain Regard section at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival. It later secured the Second Runner-Up spot for the International Audience Choice Award at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).
Critics have widely praised Ghaywan for his “lived-in” perspective and his ability to give “grief and silence the weight of truth.” Producer Karan Johar expressed his elation on social media, describing the film as a “proud and important” part of his filmography, while Ghaywan thanked the global audience for the “overwhelming journey.”
What’s Next for Homebound?
The shortlisting is the penultimate step before the final five nominees are decided. To reach the final stage, Academy members must watch all 15 shortlisted films and then cast their votes. The final nominations for the 98th Academy Awards will be announced on January 22, 2026, with the main ceremony scheduled for March 15, 2026, at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood.
Currently streaming on Netflix, Homebound has already ignited a nationwide conversation about the plight of migrant workers and the resilience of the human spirit, making it a formidable contender for India’s first win in this category.
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