In a significant achievement for Indian cinema, director Neeraj Ghaywan's film Homebound has successfully secured a coveted spot on the shortlist for the Best International Feature Film category at the upcoming 98th Academy Awards. The film, which is India's official entry, finds itself among an elite group of 15 titles that have cleared this crucial initial hurdle in the Oscar race.
The Journey and The Challenge Ahead for Homebound
Inspired by a poignant journalistic account by Basharat Peer, Homebound tells the powerful story of two young migrant workers struggling to return home during the nationwide Covid-19 lockdown in 2020. Ghaywan uses their arduous journey as a lens to examine deep societal fissures, highlighting the aspirations of underprivileged youth and the enduring power of hope. The film's next and most formidable challenge is to be selected as one of the five final nominees, a list that will be revealed on January 22, 2026.
However, the path to the nomination is steep, as Homebound is pitted against some of the most celebrated cinematic works from across the globe this year. The shortlist showcases a remarkable diversity of storytelling, from gripping legal dramas and historical epics to intimate character studies and political thrillers.
A Glimpse at the Formidable Global Competition
The international lineup features works from several acclaimed auteurs. From France, the legendary Jafar Panahi presents It Was Just an Accident, a discreetly shot revenge drama from Tehran that questions authoritarianism and has already won the prestigious Palme d'Or. Norway's entry is the critically adored Sentimental Value from director Joachim Trier, which reunites him with actress Renate Reinsve for a nuanced exploration of a fractured father-daughter relationship; the film won the Grand Prix at Cannes.
South Korea's hopes rest on Park Chan-wook's dark comedy No Other Choice, starring Lee Byung-hun and Son Ye-jin, which is considered a top contender. Brazil's The Secret Agent, directed by Kleber Mendonça Filho and starring Wagner Moura, made waves at Cannes, winning the Best Director and Best Actor awards. Meanwhile, Japan's entry, Kokuho, is not only a visual epic but also the country's highest-grossing live-action film ever.
Other Notable Contenders on the Shortlist
The list is rich with compelling narratives. Iran's The President's Cake, directed by Hasan Hadi, is a harrowing socio-political drama about a young girl's terrifying assignment during Saddam Hussein's rule and is the first Iraqi production to be Oscar-shortlisted. Tunisia's The Voice of Hind Rajab, by Kaouther Ben Hania, is a devastating reconstruction of a real-life tragedy in Gaza using actual emergency call recordings.
Other films include Argentina's legal procedural Belen, Germany's multi-generational saga Sound of Falling, Jordan's epic All That's Left of You, Palestine's historical Palestine 36, Spain's genre-defying Sirât, Switzerland's hospital drama Late Shift, and Taiwan's story of resilience, Left-Handed Girl, co-produced by Oscar-winner Sean Baker.
As the global film community turns its eyes towards the final nomination announcement, Homebound carries the aspirations of a nation, competing on a stage that celebrates the very best of world cinema. Its presence on this shortlist marks a proud moment for Indian storytelling, regardless of the final outcome.
