India’s official submission for the Academy Awards 2026, Homebound, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Neeraj Ghaywan, has exited the Oscars race after failing to secure a nomination in the Best International Feature Film category. The final list of nominations was announced by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on January 22, 2026 .
Homebound Misses Final Oscar Nomination
While Homebound had successfully made it to the shortlist of 15 films, it did not advance to the final five nominees in the International Feature Film category. The shortlist itself was seen as a significant milestone, given the intense global competition, but the film ultimately missed out on the final selection .
About the Film
Homebound stars Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhvi Kapoor and is produced by Dharma Productions. The film also drew international attention with legendary filmmaker Martin Scorsese associated as an executive producer.
Known for his sensitive storytelling, Neeraj Ghaywan previously earned global acclaim for Masaan, raising expectations for Homebound’s Oscar campaign .
Reactions from the Team
Following the announcement, producer Karan Johar and director Neeraj Ghaywan shared gracious responses, expressing pride in the film’s journey and the recognition it received on the international stage. The team highlighted that reaching the shortlist itself was an honor and a testament to the film’s impact .
The film’s writer also spoke about the challenges of the Oscars campaign, pointing out that awards season promotions are highly competitive and financially demanding, especially for international films .
What This Means for India at the Oscars
With Homebound out of the race, India continues its long wait for a nomination in the Best International Feature Film category. Historically, only a handful of Indian films — Mother India, Salaam Bombay! and Lagaan — have received nominations in this category.
Despite the setback, Homebound’s presence on the shortlist reflects the growing recognition of Indian cinema in global spaces and highlights the evolving storytelling emerging from the country .
Although Homebound did not make it to the final Oscar nominations, its journey underscores the challenges faced by Indian films at the Academy Awards. The film’s critical reception, international collaborations, and shortlist achievement mark it as an important chapter in India’s ongoing pursuit of global cinematic recognition.