Oscars
India inches closer to Oscar glory: Neeraj Ghaywan’s Homebound makes top 15 list
Mumbai/IBNS: Director Neeraj Ghaywan’s Homebound has taken a significant step closer to Oscar glory after being shortlisted among the top 15 films in the Best International Feature Film category for the Academy Awards 2026.
India’s official entry, Homebound, features on the shortlist alongside notable international contenders including Argentina’s Belén, Brazil's The Secret Agent, France’s It Was Just an Accident and Germany’s Sound of Falling.
The film had its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival on May 21, 2025, and stars Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa and Janhvi Kapoor in key roles.
Set largely in a single location, Homebound presents a taut, emotionally charged narrative that explores a dysfunctional family trapped together during a crisis. The film has been widely praised for its emotional depth, cinematic restraint, and nuanced portrayal of trauma and buried tensions.
Homebound was released in Indian theatres in September and is currently streaming on Netflix.
The Oscar nominations will be announced on January 22.
Films Shortlisted in Best International Feature Film Category:
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Argentina: Belén
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Brazil: The Secret Agent
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France: It Was Just an Accident
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Germany: Sound of Falling
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India: Homebound
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Iraq: The President’s Cake
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Japan: Kokuho
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Jordan: All That’s Left of You
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Norway: Sentimental Value
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Palestine: Palestine 36
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South Korea: No Other Choice
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Spain: Sirât
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Switzerland: Late Shift
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Taiwan: Left-Handed Girl
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Tunisia: The Voice of Hind Rajab
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