Laapata Ladies Out From Oscars’ List: Know How India Struggles For ‘Official’ Entry To Academy Awards

For the 23rd year in a row, India will not have a film competing in the Oscars’ Best International Feature Film category. Despite being the largest film-producing nation globally, India’s official entries have consistently failed to secure a nomination in this prestigious category. Independent Indian filmmakers, however, have earned global acclaim with wins in the documentary feature and short film categories.

This year, the selection of Laapataa Ladies as India’s official entry also ended in disappointment. The film did not advance to the next stage, continuing a trend fraught with debates and drama over the country’s Oscar submissions.

What is an ‘Official’ Oscar Entry?

The Best International Feature Film category, previously known as Best Foreign Film, recognizes non-English-language films produced outside the United States and released within the eligibility period. Each country is tasked with selecting one official entry for the category, with the decision-making body appointed by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. In India, this responsibility lies with the Film Federation of India (FFI).

Role of the Film Federation of India

The FFI, headquartered in Mumbai, represents around 50,000 members, including producers, distributors, and exhibitors across India’s diverse film industries. Beyond selecting the official Oscar entry, it works to safeguard the rights of artists and technicians. Over the years, prominent figures like Mehboob Khan and GP Sippy have served as its presidents.

The FFI appoints an annual selection panel to decide the official entry. This year, Laapataa Ladies was chosen from a shortlist of nearly 30 films, including notable titles like Animal and All We Imagine as Light.

Independent Submissions and Co-Produced Films

While a country can submit only one official entry for the Best International Feature Film category, filmmakers may independently submit their works for other Oscar categories if eligible. This option has seen Indian films like RRR and Gangubai Kathiawadi compete in different categories.

Additionally, films co-produced with companies from other countries can be submitted as the official entry of that nation. Notable examples include Sandhya Suri’s Hindi-language film Santosh, submitted by the UK this year, and Deepa Mehta’s Water, Canada’s official entry in 2005.

The Selection Process

After submission, the Academy’s International Feature Film Preliminary Committee shortlists 15 films, typically in December. These are then reviewed by the Foreign Language Film Award Committee, which finalizes five nominees by January. To date, only three Indian films—Mother India (1957), Salaam Bombay (1988), and Lagaan (2001)—have secured nominations, with none clinching the award.

India’s ongoing struggle to make a mark in this category highlights the challenges and controversies surrounding its Oscar submissions.