India’s official entry, Homebound has failed to secure a spot at the 98th Academy Awards, in the Best International Feature Film category after making it to the Oscars shortlist. The final nominations were announced on January 22, 2026. The Oscars shortlist represents, the second last stage in the awards race. All the films which are shortlisted are viewed and voted on by Academy members. A total of five films have made it to the Best International Feature Film nominations list. They are:
- It Was Just An Accident (France)
- Sentimental Value (Norway)
- Sirat (Spain)
- The Secret Agent (Brazil)
- The Voice of Hind Rajab (Tunisia)
About Homebound
Homebound, directed by Neeraj Ghaywan, was released on September 26, 2025 in Indian theatres. The cast includes Ishan Khattar, Janhvi Kapoor and Vishal Jethwa. The film revolves around the story of two best friends from the same village striving to carve out identities in an unequal system. It delves into redemption, trauma, and unspoken secrets that unravel over tense confrontations. The film is backed by Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions.
India’s journey at Oscars
India’s history at Oscars has been limited in the Best International Feature Film category. In the history of Academy Awards, only four Indian films have reached the shortlist, and just three: Mother India (1957), Salaam Bombay! (1988) and Lagaan (2002) have secured final nominations. India made significant inroads with RRR’s Naatu Naatu winning Best Original Song.
