Director Neeraj Ghaywan’s 'Homebound' has achieved a historic milestone by entering the official Top 15 shortlist for the 98th Academy Awards in the Best International Feature Film category. This powerful drama, starring Ishaan Khatter and Vishal Jethwa, has moved producer Karan Johar to tears, who shared a heartfelt note celebrating the film’s journey from Cannes to the Oscars. As India’s official entry for 2026, the film is now one step closer to securing a final nomination and bringing home the prestigious golden figure.
The global film community is buzzing as the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences officially released its shortlist for the Best International Feature Film category for the 2026 Oscars. Out of a vast pool of global entries, only 15 films have survived the cut to enter the final round of voting, and leading the charge is India’s official entry, 'Homebound'. The film’s inclusion in this elite list marks a significant milestone for Indian cinema, placing it alongside some of the most critically acclaimed world cinema releases of the year. This shortlisting indicates that the film has successfully resonated with the Academy's diverse voting branch, making it a strong contender for the final five nominations.
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Renowned filmmaker and producer Karan Johar took to social media to express his profound pride and raw emotion following the announcement. Having been a vocal supporter of the film's journey, Johar shared a heartfelt note stating that seeing an Indian story "dominate a global stage" brought tears to his eyes. He emphasised that this achievement isn't just for a single film, but a testament to the evolving power of Indian storytelling and its ability to touch hearts across borders. Industry insiders noted that Johar’s emotional reaction reflects the collective hope of a billion people as India inches closer to bringing home the coveted golden figure.
Alongside India’s 'Homebound', the 2026 Oscar shortlist for Best International Feature is packed with powerhouse cinema from across the globe. Key contenders cutting include France's highly acclaimed musical thriller 'Emilia Pérez', Germany’s historical drama 'The Seed of the Sacred Fig', and Brazil's emotional powerhouse 'I'm Still Here'. Other notable selections currently generating major buzz among the final 15 include Spain’s 'Saturn Return' and Denmark’s 'The Girl with the Needle', all of which are competing for a spot in the final five nominations.
'Homebound' is a cinematic masterpiece that explores the raw, human complexities of displacement, identity, and the visceral pull of one's roots. Set against a backdrop of shifting social landscapes, the film follows the journey of a protagonist navigating the blurred lines between where they belong and where they are forced to go. Directed with a lens of deep empathy and visual brilliance, the movie has been praised for its authentic performances and a hauntingly beautiful score that stays with the viewer long after the credits roll. Before its Oscar buzz, the film garnered accolades at several international film festivals, with critics hailing it as a "triumph of soul over spectacle."
Image courtesy: IMDb/Instagram
ALSO READ- Homebound OTT Release Date: When And Where To Watch Neeraj Ghaywan’s Critically Acclaimed Film
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