Big blow to Indian cinema! ‘Homebound’ out of Oscar Awards nomination, know who challenged

Oscars 2026: The nominations for the 98th Oscar Awards (2026) have been announced. Unfortunately, India’s official entry ‘Homebound’ could not get a nomination in the Best International Feature Film category. Despite making it to the shortlist, this film of director Neeraj Ghaywan could not be included in the final five.

This has dealt a big blow to Indian cinema, because after Aamir Khan’s ‘Lagaan’ in 2002, no Indian film has been nominated in this category.

Movies nominated in Oscar Awards

The films nominated for Best International Feature Film this year are Brazil’s ‘The Secret Agent’, France’s ‘It Was Just an Accident’, Norway’s ‘Sentimental Value’, Spain’s ‘Sirat’ and Tunisia’s ‘The Voice of Hind Rajab’.

These films have come out with strong claims from different countries. ‘Homebound’ was included in the shortlist of 15 films announced in December 2025, but could not be selected in the final round.

deep story of the film

‘Homebound’ has been produced by Karan Johar, Apoorva Mehta and Aadar Poonawala under the banner of Dharma Productions. The film is inspired by an article by Basharat Peer published in the New York Times in 2020. This is the story of friends Shoaib and Chandan, who belong to marginalized communities. They search for a better future in a discriminatory society.

After losing their jobs during the Covid-19 lockdown, both of them face many challenges on their way back home. The film delves into social issues and is known for strong performances.

Indian cinema’s Oscar journey

India has made strong efforts in the international category several times, but success has been limited. After ‘Lagaan’, films like ‘Paan Singh Tomar’, ‘Kohinoor’ were in discussion, but did not get nomination. ‘Homebound’ was appreciated at the Cannes Festival and expectations were high, but the Oscar Academy’s decision disappointed. Nevertheless, the film has strengthened the voice of Indian cinema globally.