Indian cinema has once again made the country proud on the global stage by making a place in the Oscars 2026. Homebound, India’s official entry for the 98th Academy Awards, has successfully entered the Top 15 shortlist in the Best International Feature Film category.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences recently announced that only 15 films from around the world have advanced to the next round of voting — and Homebound is one of them.
Global Films Shortlisted Alongside Homebound
Apart from India’s Homebound, the shortlist includes films from several countries such as Argentina, Brazil, France, Germany, Japan, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, Taiwan, Palestine, Jordan, Norway, Iraq, and Tunisia.
The final list of Oscar nominations will be announced on Thursday, January 22, and expectations are high for the Indian film.
Story of Friendship, Dreams, and Reality
Directed by Neeraj Ghaywan, Homebound tells a deeply emotional story of two childhood friends, Shoaib (Ishaan Khatter) and Chandan (Vishal Jethwa), who grow up in a small village in North India.
Both dream of becoming police officers, but as life moves forward, social pressures, personal struggles, and harsh realities begin to test their friendship. The film also features Janhvi Kapoor in an important role.
Global Recognition and Film Festival Success
Homebound has already received widespread international appreciation. The film premiered at some of the world’s most prestigious film festivals, including the Cannes Film Festival, Toronto International Film Festival, and Melbourne International Film Festival.
With its Oscar shortlist entry, Homebound has achieved a rare milestone — becoming only the fifth Indian film in the 98-year history of the Academy Awards to be shortlisted for Best International Feature Film.
Ishaan Khatter Reacts
Celebrating the big moment, Ishaan Khatter shared the official Oscar announcement on his Instagram stories. He also posted a video featuring executive producer Martin Scorsese, who was seen speaking about the film in a conversation with director Neeraj Ghaywan.
When Are the Oscars?
The 98th Academy Awards ceremony will take place on Sunday, March 15, 2026.
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