Director Neeraj Ghaywan's acclaimed film Homebound has concluded its Oscar campaign after failing to secure a nomination in the fiercely competitive International Feature Film category at the 98th Academy Awards. The announcement of the final five nominees on Thursday marked the end of the road for this Indian cinematic gem, which had previously been shortlisted among 15 contenders last month.
Homebound's Journey and Global Recognition
Starring Vishal Jethwa and Ishaan Khatter in lead roles, Homebound premiered in the prestigious Un Certain Regard section at the Cannes Film Festival in May 2025. The film's poignant narrative about two young friends navigating life's struggles resonated with global audiences, establishing it as a significant contribution to Indian cinema on the world stage. Producer Karan Johar expressed gratitude to Ghaywan on social media, thanking him for "allowing us to bask in your light" and acknowledging the film's artistic achievement.
The Five Oscar Nominees for International Feature Film
The competition proved exceptionally intense, with five outstanding films securing nominations:
- Brazil's The Secret Agent - This political drama set during Brazil's 1977 dictatorship has gained substantial momentum during awards season, having won multiple Cannes awards including best director for Kleber Mendonça Filho and best actor for Wagner Moura. The 160-minute period piece has already secured Golden Globes for Best Motion Picture-Non-English Language and Best Performance by a Male Actor.
- France's It Was Just an Accident - Written and directed by Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi, this Palme d'Or winner has long been considered an Oscar frontrunner. Shot discreetly in Tehran, the unconventional revenge drama offers incisive commentary on authoritarianism while exploring complex moral dilemmas.
- Norway's Sentimental Value - Directed and co-written by Joachim Trier, this Cannes Grand Prix winner received nine Oscar nominations including Best Picture and Best Director. The film examines the estranged relationship between an aging filmmaker past his prime and his daughters.
- Spain's Sirāt - Winner of the 2025 Cannes Jury Prize, this genre-defying film directed by Oliver Laxe follows a father searching for his missing daughter in the Moroccan desert. The film combines visual and sonic richness with profound emotional depth.
- Tunisia's The Voice of Hind Rajab - This powerful docudrama by Kaouther Ben Hania presents one of the most political narratives in this year's competition. The film recreates events surrounding six-year-old Palestinian girl Hind Rajab's desperate calls for rescue during the 2024 Gaza siege, using her real voice recordings.
Competitive Landscape and Homebound's Legacy
The international feature film category showcased exceptional diversity and artistic excellence this year, making the competition particularly challenging. Each nominated film represents distinct cultural perspectives and cinematic approaches, from political dramas to intimate character studies and innovative documentary formats.
Despite missing the final Oscar nomination, Homebound remains a landmark achievement for Indian cinema. The film's ability to connect with international audiences demonstrates the growing global appeal of Indian storytelling and the increasing sophistication of the country's film industry. Its Cannes selection and Oscar shortlisting represent significant milestones that will likely inspire future Indian filmmakers to pursue international recognition.
The film's journey from Cannes to the Oscar shortlist highlights the evolving landscape of Indian cinema on the world stage, where stories rooted in authentic Indian experiences can compete with the best international productions. While the Oscar campaign has concluded, Homebound continues to be celebrated for its artistic merit and emotional resonance, securing its place as an important work in contemporary Indian cinema.
