Neeraj Ghaywan’s ‘Homebound’ makes Oscar shortlist in international feature category

Indian cinema continues its impressive global rise with Neeraj Ghaywan’s Homebound being shortlisted in the Best International Feature Film category at the 98th Academy Awards. The announcement by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences places the critically acclaimed drama among just 15 films worldwide now eligible for final Oscar nominations.

Homebound , produced by Karan Johar, Adar Poonawalla, Apoorva Mehta and Somen Mishra, with Hollywood legend Martin Scorsese attached as executive producer, has enjoyed a remarkable journey on the international film festival circuit. The film had its world premiere in the prestigious Un Certain Regard section at the Cannes Film Festival 2025, where it received a nine‑minute standing ovation, a rare and powerful response from audiences at the French Riviera.

Its festival success continued at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) 2025, where Homebound not only earned another standing ovation but also secured second runner‑up for the International People’s Choice Award, sharing the spotlight with acclaimed international contenders.

Critics and audiences have praised the film for its deeply human narrative, rooted in the friendship of two young men from rural India navigating systemic bias and social barriers. The story, inspired by Basharat Peer’s essay Taking Amrit Home , combines poignant performances by Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa and Janhvi Kapoor with Ghaywan’s sensitive direction.

Producer Karan Johar expressed pride over Homebound ’s global reception, calling the Oscars shortlist a “privileged and overwhelming” milestone for the team. Ghaywan also shared in the celebration, highlighting the film’s journey from Cannes to North America and now to the doorstep of Hollywood’s biggest night.

The shortlist announcement comes ahead of the Oscar nominations on January 22, 2026, with the 98th Academy Awards ceremony scheduled for March 15, 2026, at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood. The event will be broadcast live to audiences in more than 200 countries.

Homebound ’s international accolades reflect a growing appreciation for Indian stories that resonate across cultures, festival panels and award juries, bringing the nation’s cinema into ever‑wider global conversations.