India Inches Closer For Oscars As Neeraj Ghaywan's 'Homebound Advances For Next Round

Homebound is among 15 films shortlisted, raising hopes for an Oscar nomination. The film, produced by Karan Johar and executive produced by Martin Scorsese, depicts the challenging friendship of two aspiring police officers.

Neeraj Ghaywan's "Homebound," India's Oscar entry, has advanced to the next voting round for the International Feature Film category.

Source : IMDb

India’s official entry for the Academy Awards, Homebound, has progressed to the next round of voting, raising expectations that the film could secure an Oscar nomination for the country.

Directed by Neeraj Ghaywan, the emotionally driven film has made it to the shortlist of 15 international feature films selected from submissions by countries including Iraq, Japan, South Korea and Palestine.

‘Homebound’ Among 15 Films Shortlisted

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) announced that Homebound is among the 15 films that have advanced to the second round of voting in the International Feature Film category.

Sharing the update on social media, The Academy said, “Fifteen films advanced to the next round of voting in the International Feature Film category. Here’s where they land on the map…”

 

 

 

 

 

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When Will Oscar 2026 Nominations Be Announced?

The advancement significantly improves India’s chances of earning a final nomination in one of the Academy Awards’ most prestigious categories. The official nominations for the Oscars 2026 will be announced on Thursday, January 22.

Other films that have moved forward include Belén (Argentina), The Secret Agent (Brazil), It Was Just an Accident (France), Sound of Falling (Germany), Kokuho (Japan), and No Other Choice (South Korea). Iraq, Jordan, Norway, Palestine, Spain, Switzerland, Taiwan and Tunisia are also represented on the shortlist.

The winners will be revealed at the Academy Awards ceremony in Los Angeles later this year. If nominated, Homebound would join the select list of Indian films that have earned recognition at the Oscars.

About ‘Homebound’

Homebound features an ensemble cast including Ishaan Khatter, Janhvi Kapoor, Vishal Jethwa and others.

The film is produced by Karan Johar, Adar Poonawalla, Apoorva Mehta and Somen Mishra, with co-producers Marijke de Souza and Melita Toscan Du Plantier. Legendary filmmaker Martin Scorsese serves as the executive producer.

Set in North India, Homebound follows two childhood friends from marginalised backgrounds who aspire to join the police force in search of dignity and stability. As their struggle intensifies, their friendship is tested by desperation and diverging paths.