Homebound Shortlisted for Best International Feature at Oscars 2026

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A big moment for Indian cinema has just landed. Neeraj Ghaywan's Homebound, a film that's been winning hearts since its premiere, has officially been shortlisted for the 98th Academy Awards in the Best International Feature Film category. This isn't just buzz; it's real validation on one of the world's biggest stages for storytelling.

The shortlist was recently unveiled by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, and Homebound is one of only 15 films worldwide to make it this far towards potential final nominations. This shortlist was compiled from dozens of submissions by Academy voters, a truly remarkable achievement for a film based on such universally resonant concepts.

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What's been remarkable about the trajectory of "Homebound" so far is the amount of mileage it has gained already: from the nine-minute standing ovation it received at the Cannes Film Festival earlier this year to the accolades it has been receiving at the Toronto International Film Festival, and to being part of the conversation for the Oscars.

A Story That Resonates

At its core, Homebound follows the lives of two childhood friends, Shoaib and Chandan (played by Ishaan Khatter and Vishal Jethwa). Their struggle to become policemen serves as their dream to attain identity and survive against all odds of class and community. Janhvi Kapoor further expands this experience with yet another pivotal performance that touches this emotional ride.

This story, inspired by Basharat Peer's New York Times article Taking Amrit Home, is unflinchingly human, and that's arguably why it's connecting with global audiences.

Makers Call It a Humbling Moment

Producer Karan Johar, one of Bollywood's biggest names and a co-producer on Homebound, shared an emotional and heartfelt response to the Oscar shortlist news.

In messages shared on social platforms and to the press, Johar said he felt "deeply honoured and humbled" by the film's selection and the recognition it's receiving on the world stage. He emphasised gratitude to the creative team, the Academy, and audiences everywhere, and spoke about what the moment means for Indian storytelling.

Sharing the sentiment, director Neeraj Ghaywan said the recognition was humbling and meaningful, adding that Homebound carries the essence of home, land, and people, and representing India on a global platform like the Oscars was an honour he was deeply grateful for.

Why This Matters

India has long wanted a win in the Best International Feature Film category at the Oscars. While films like Salaam Bombay! and Lagaan have been nominated in the past, a win has remained elusive. Now, with Homebound officially on the shortlist and with buzz building worldwide, many are watching closely.

With the final nominations still months away, the road is far from over, but the fact that "Homebound" is included among the shortlist is already a triumph and a reason to celebrate. India's storytelling prowess is now presented with a global voice, thanks to a group of individuals who have clearly put heart and soul into this endeavour.