Neeraj Ghaywan’s critically acclaimed film Homebound has advanced in the Oscars race after being named among the 15 shortlisted titles in the Best International Feature Film category, bringing it a step closer to a final nomination at the 98th Academy Awards.
The film, which draws inspiration from a real-life incident reported during the COVID-19 pandemic, has been attracting international attention since its premiere in the Un Certain Regard section at the Cannes Film Festival earlier this year.
Its awards-season momentum has been further boosted by the involvement of legendary filmmaker Martin Scorsese, who has joined the project as an executive producer.
Produced by Karan Johar and Adar Poonawalla, Homebound marks Ghaywan’s second feature after Masaan.
The film stars Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa and Janhvi Kapoor in pivotal roles and explores themes of friendship, dignity and social identity.
In the shortlist announced by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on Tuesday, Homebound will contend with films from across the globe, including entries from Argentina, Brazil, France, Germany and Iraq.
The lineup also features titles from Japan, Jordan, Norway, Palestine, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, Taiwan and Tunisia.
India’s track record in the category—earlier known as Best Foreign Language Film—has been limited.
Only Mother India, Salaam Bombay! and Lagaan have secured nominations so far, while Water earned a nod after being submitted by Canada.
The 2023 Gujarati film Chhello Show was the most recent Indian title to make the shortlist.
The makers and cast of Homebound marked the milestone with celebratory posts on social media.
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Johar described the moment as overwhelming and said the journey from Cannes to the Oscar shortlist had been deeply fulfilling. Ghaywan, sharing the news on X, thanked audiences worldwide for their support.
Actor Vishal Jethwa called the recognition “surreal and humbling,” while Ishaan Khatter shared his excitement with fans, writing, “Oscar ab dur nahi.”
Homebound is inspired by journalist Basharat Peer’s New York Times article “Taking Amrit Home,” also known as “A Friendship, a Pandemic and a Death Beside the Highway.”
The story follows the bond between two childhood friends—a Muslim and a Dalit—whose shared aspiration for a police job becomes a quest for dignity in a society shaped by caste and identity.
The Academy also released shortlists across 11 other categories, including animated short film, cinematography, documentary feature, original score, original song, sound and visual effects.
Nominations for the 98th Academy Awards will be announced on January 22, 2026, with the ceremony scheduled to take place on March 15, 2026, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
