New Delhi: Homebound, directed by Neeraj Ghaywan, has been shortlisted in the Best International Feature Film category for the 98th Academy Awards, placing the Indian film among 15 titles advancing to the next round of Oscar voting.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced the shortlists across 12 categories on Tuesday, including international feature, animated short film, documentary feature and short, live action short, makeup and hairstyling, original score, original song, sound and visual effects.
Reacting to the news, producer Karan Johar shared his excitement on social media, writing, “We made the shortlist. Way to go team Homebound.”
In the international feature category, Homebound will compete with films from across the world, including France’s It Was Just an Accident, directed by Jafar Panahi, and South Korea’s No Other Choice, directed by Park Chan-wook. Other shortlisted entries include Argentina’s Belén, Brazil’s The Secret Agent, Germany’s Sound of Falling, Iraq’s The President’s Cake, Japan’s Kokuho, Jordan’s All That’s Left of You, Norway’s Sentimental Value, Palestine’s Palestine 36, Spain’s Sirât, Switzerland’s Late Shift, Taiwan’s Left-Handed Girl and Tunisia’s The Voice of Hind Rajab. Voters opting into this category are required to watch all 15 films before casting their ballots.
Homebound began its international journey with a premiere in the Un Certain Regard section at the Cannes Film Festival earlier this year, followed by strong reception on the global festival circuit. The film was later selected as India’s official entry for the Oscars.
Written and directed by Ghaywan, Homebound is inspired by a true incident and centres on childhood friends Shoaib, played by Ishaan Khatter, and Chandan, played by Vishal Jethwa. United by friendship and a shared ambition to join the police force, the two navigate personal struggles and social pressures that begin to strain their bond as they move closer to their goal.
The film also won second runner-up at the International People’s Choice Awards at the Toronto International Film Festival. Oscar winner Martin Scorsese serves as its executive producer.
The Academy also released shortlists this year in casting and cinematography, marking the introduction of two new categories. In the international feature section, the current list of 15 films will be narrowed down to five final nominees, to be announced on January 22, 2026. The 98th Academy Awards ceremony will be hosted by Conan O’Brien and held on March 15 next year.
BI Bureau
