In a significant achievement for Indian cinema, the critically acclaimed film 'Homebound' has been shortlisted for the Best International Feature Film Award at the upcoming 98th Academy Awards. The announcement, made on Tuesday, December 17, 2025, has sparked celebrations within the Indian film fraternity.
A Prestigious Shortlist and Celebratory Reactions
The film, directed by Neeraj Ghaywan and co-produced by Karan Johar's Dharma Productions, is among 15 titles selected from across the globe to advance to the next round of voting. Expressing his elation, producer Karan Johar took to social media to congratulate the team, writing, "We made the shortlist. Way to go team Homebound."
'Homebound' will be competing against formidable international contenders, including Jafar Panahi's 'It Was Just an Accident' (France) and Park Chan-wook's 'No Other Choice' (South Korea). Other films on the prestigious shortlist hail from Argentina, Brazil, Germany, Iraq, Japan, Jordan, Norway, Palestine, Spain, Switzerland, Taiwan, and Tunisia.
The Journey and Story of Homebound
The film's journey to the Oscar shortlist has been marked by consistent acclaim. It premiered earlier this year in the Un Certain Regard section of the Cannes Film Festival. Later, it was selected as India's official entry for the Oscars and also won the second runner-up position in the International People’s Choice Awards at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).
Adding immense prestige to the project is the involvement of legendary filmmaker Martin Scorsese, who served as an executive producer. Inspired by a true incident, the film is written and directed by Neeraj Ghaywan. It tells the poignant story of two childhood friends, Shoaib (Ishaan Khatter) and Chandan (Vishal Jethwa), who share a deep bond and a common dream of joining the police force to build a better life. The narrative explores how mounting desperation and harsh circumstances test the very foundation of their friendship as they edge closer to their goal.
What Comes Next in the Oscar Race
The shortlist announcement was part of a broader reveal by The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, which released selections in 12 categories, including Documentary Feature, Original Score, and Visual Effects. The selection of 'Homebound' underscores the growing global recognition for nuanced storytelling emerging from India. The film industry and audiences will now keenly await the next phase, where the final nominees for the 98th Oscars will be announced.
This milestone not only highlights the directorial prowess of Neeraj Ghaywan but also marks a proud moment for the entire team and for Indian cinema on the world's most prominent cinematic stage.
