Oscars 2025: The 2025 Academy Awards saw 'Anuja', a poignant coming-of-age short film set in New Delhi, miss out on the Best Live Action Short Film award. The honour instead went to the Dutch-language sci-fi film 'I'm Not a Robot'.
Written and directed by Victoria Warmerdam, 'I'm Not a Robot' tells the story of Max, who spirals into an existential crisis after failing an online CAPTCHA test, leading him to question whether he might actually be a robot.
About Anuja
Directed by Adam J. Graves and Suchitra Mattai, 'Anuja' follows the journey of a talented nine-year-old girl who faces a life-altering decision—choosing between education and working in a factory alongside her sister. Starring Sajda Pathan and Ananya Shanbhag, the film sheds light on the challenges faced by children in marginalized communities.
With two-time Oscar-winning producer Guneet Monga and global star Priyanka Chopra Jonas serving as executive producers, 'Anuja' garnered significant attention. The film was also backed by Hollywood writer-actor Mindy Kaling as a producer.
'Anuja' was made in association with the Salaam Baalak Trust (SBT), a nonprofit founded by filmmaker Mira Nair’s family to support street and working children. The project was also produced by Shine Global and Krushan Naik Films, further strengthening its social impact.
Other nominees
Apart from 'Anuja' and I'm Not a Robot, the Best Live Action Short Film category featured strong contenders like A Lien, The Last Ranger, and The Man Who Could Not Remain Silent.
Currently available for streaming on Netflix, 'Anuja' continues to reach audiences worldwide. The 97th Academy Awards, hosted by Conan O'Brien, aired live in India on JioHotstar and Star Plus from the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.