Oscars 2026: India ‘Homebound’ Makes the Shortlist

New Delhi, December 17, 2025: The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) announced the shortlist on Tuesday, December 16, 2025. Out of 86 eligible entries from across the globe, Homebound secured a spot in the elite top 15, bringing India one step closer to the elusive golden statuette.

A Story of Friendship and Resilience

Homebound (Hindi) is a poignant drama set against the backdrop of rural India during the COVID-19 pandemic. It stars Ishaan Khatter and Vishal Jethwa as two childhood friends, Shoaib and Chandan, who dream of joining the national police force—a career they hope will provide them with stability and dignity.

However, as they navigate the complexities of caste, systemic biases, and the existential pressures of migration, their bond is put to the ultimate test. The film also features Janhvi Kapoor in a pivotal role and is backed by high-profile producers, including Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions and legendary filmmaker Martin Scorsese as an executive producer.

India’s Path to the Oscars

Making the shortlist is a rare feat for Indian cinema. Homebound is only the fifth Indian film to reach this stage in the Best International Feature category (formerly Best Foreign Language Film). It follows in the footsteps of classics like Mother India (1957), Salaam Bombay! (1988), and Lagaan (2001)—all of which earned final nominations—and the more recent Last Film Show (Chhello Show), which made the shortlist in 2023.

The Road Ahead

The journey for Homebound is far from over. While the shortlist recognizes the top 15 films, only five will receive the final official nomination.

In this next phase, Academy members who “opt-in” to the category must watch all 15 shortlisted films before casting their final votes. Homebound faces stiff competition from global heavyweights, including:

• Brazil: The Secret Agent
• France: It Was Just an Accident
• South Korea: No Other Choice
• Germany: Sound of Falling

Industry Reactions

The news has sparked a wave of celebration within the Indian film fraternity. Producer Karan Johar expressed his pride on social media, stating he was “over the moon” with the film’s journey from its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival to the Oscar shortlist. Director Neeraj Ghaywan, known for his debut Masaan, also thanked the global audience for the “extraordinary love and support.”

As the film continues to stream on Netflix, all eyes are now on January 22 to see if Homebound can break India’s 24-year nomination drought.