India’s Oscar Hope: Neeraj Ghaywan’s Homebound Shortlisted for Oscars 2026

Indian cinema has achieved a major global milestone as Homebound, directed by Neeraj Ghaywan, has been shortlisted among the final 15 films in the Best International Feature Film category at the 98th Academy Awards (Oscars 2026).

The film is India’s official entry and has progressed to the final voting stage, where members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) will select five final nominees.

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India’s Oscar Hope: Neeraj Ghaywan’s Homebound Shortlisted for Oscars 2026

What Is the Achievement?

• Homebound is among the top 15 shortlisted films
• Selected from 86 countries and regions
• Shortlisting qualifies the film for the final Oscar nomination round
• Only 5 films will eventually receive nominations

Advancing to the final 15 is itself considered a significant Oscar achievement for any country.

About the Film Homebound

• Director: Neeraj Ghaywan
• Lead Actors: Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa
• Supporting Role: Janhvi Kapoor

Storyline:
The film follows two childhood friends, Shoaib and Chandan, whose shared dream of joining the police force tests their friendship amid social pressures, duty, and moral choices.
The narrative captures themes of aspiration, friendship, responsibility, and emotional resilience in contemporary India.

International Reception & Film Festivals

Homebound gained strong international recognition before its Oscar shortlist success:

• Cannes Film Festival 2025:
  • Screened in the Un Certain Regard section
• Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF):
  • Won Second Runner-Up – International Audience Choice Award

These festival accolades significantly strengthened the film’s global Oscar campaign.

Production & Creative Team

• Production House: Dharma Productions
• Producers: Karan Johar, Adar Poonawalla, Apoorva Mehta
• Co-Producers: Marijke deSouza, Melita Toscan Du Plantier
• Executive Producers:
  • Martin Scorsese
  • Pravin Khairnar

The involvement of Martin Scorsese added strong international credibility to the project.

About the Oscar Category

The Best International Feature Film category at the Oscars:

• Recognises non-English, non-US films
• Each country can submit only one official entry
• Selection is highly competitive and globally prestigious

Being shortlisted in this category places India firmly on the global cinema map.

Exam-Oriented Key Facts

• Film: Homebound
• Director: Neeraj Ghaywan
• Oscar Category: Best International Feature Film
• Event: 98th Academy Awards (Oscars 2026)
• Shortlisted Films: 15
• Countries Participated: 86
• Lead Actors: Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa
• Film Festivals: Cannes 2025 (Un Certain Regard), TIFF
• India’s Official Entry: Yes

Question & Answer

Q1. Which Indian film has been shortlisted for Best International Feature Film at Oscars 2026?
(a) The Lunchbox
(b) Homebound
(c) Masaan
(d) Jawan
Answer: Homebound

Q2. Who directed the film Homebound?
(a) Anurag Kashyap
(b) Zoya Akhtar
(c) Neeraj Ghaywan
(d) Shoojit Sircar
Answer: Neeraj Ghaywan

Q3. How many films are shortlisted before final Oscar nominations in this category?
(a) 10
(b) 12
(c) 15
(d) 20
Answer: 15

Q4. At which international film festival did Homebound premiere?
(a) Berlin Film Festival
(b) Venice Film Festival
(c) Cannes Film Festival
(d) Sundance Film Festival
Answer: Cannes Film Festival

Q5. Which category at the Oscars recognises non-English films from outside the US?
(a) Best Picture
(b) Best Documentary
(c) Best International Feature Film
(d) Best Foreign Language Song
Answer: Best International Feature Film

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