The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has officially announced the nominations for the 98th Academy Awards, bringing an end to weeks of speculation among film industries across the world. While the list includes contenders from multiple countries, Indian filmmaker Neeraj Ghaywan’s Homebound did not make it to the final nominations in the Best International Feature Film category, despite being seen as a strong hopeful in the race.
The nominations were revealed on January 22 from the Samuel Goldwyn Theater, with actors Danielle Brooks and Lewis Pullman announcing nominees across all 24 categories. The announcement was streamed live on the Academy’s official platforms and major broadcasters, drawing attention from global audiences, including Indian viewers who had been closely tracking Homebound’s progress.
The film was also shortlisted among the top 15 films in the Best International Feature Film category, placing it within striking distance of an Oscar nomination. This shortlist status positioned Homebound as one of India’s most promising international contenders in recent years.
The film is loosely inspired by journalist Basharat Peer’s New York Times essay that examined friendship, loss, and survival during the pandemic. Through its narrative, Homebound reflects broader social issues without losing focus on personal relationships and human resilience.
The film was produced by Karan Johar, Apoorva Mehta, Somen Mishra, and Adar Poonawalla, with Marijke deSouza and Melita Toscan Du Plantier serving as co-producers. Hollywood veteran Martin Scorsese and Pravin Khairnar were attached as executive producers, adding international credibility and visibility to the project.
Following its shortlist inclusion, the makers undertook an extensive awards campaign, a crucial step in the Oscar race, aimed at ensuring the film reached as many Academy members as possible. Despite this sustained effort and strong backing, Homebound ultimately fell short of securing a final nomination.
While Homebound did not advance to the final Oscar nominations, its international reception and critical acclaim have reinforced Neeraj Ghaywan’s standing as a filmmaker
The nominations were revealed on January 22 from the Samuel Goldwyn Theater, with actors Danielle Brooks and Lewis Pullman announcing nominees across all 24 categories. The announcement was streamed live on the Academy’s official platforms and major broadcasters, drawing attention from global audiences, including Indian viewers who had been closely tracking Homebound’s progress.
Strong Festival Run and Global Recognition
Homebound entered the Oscar season with considerable momentum. Directed by Neeraj Ghaywan, the film premiered at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, where it received an extended standing ovation and emerged as a festival favourite. Its journey continued across the international circuit, including screenings at the Melbourne International Film Festival and a Gala Presentation slot at the Toronto International Film Festival. Critics consistently praised the film for its grounded storytelling, emotional depth, and sensitive portrayal of social realities.The film was also shortlisted among the top 15 films in the Best International Feature Film category, placing it within striking distance of an Oscar nomination. This shortlist status positioned Homebound as one of India’s most promising international contenders in recent years.
Story Rooted in Friendship and Social Reality
Set during the COVID-19 pandemic, Homebound follows two childhood friends, Shoaib and Chandan, played by Ishaan Khatter and Vishal Jethwa. Coming from a small village in North India, the two share a dream of joining the police force, believing it will offer dignity and stability. Their journey unfolds against the backdrop of caste discrimination, religious bias, economic hardship, and the emotional toll of lockdowns and migration. Janhvi Kapoor plays a supporting role that adds emotional weight and perspective to their struggles.The film is loosely inspired by journalist Basharat Peer’s New York Times essay that examined friendship, loss, and survival during the pandemic. Through its narrative, Homebound reflects broader social issues without losing focus on personal relationships and human resilience.
The film was produced by Karan Johar, Apoorva Mehta, Somen Mishra, and Adar Poonawalla, with Marijke deSouza and Melita Toscan Du Plantier serving as co-producers. Hollywood veteran Martin Scorsese and Pravin Khairnar were attached as executive producers, adding international credibility and visibility to the project.
Following its shortlist inclusion, the makers undertook an extensive awards campaign, a crucial step in the Oscar race, aimed at ensuring the film reached as many Academy members as possible. Despite this sustained effort and strong backing, Homebound ultimately fell short of securing a final nomination.
Oscars 2026: What’s Next
The 98th Academy Awards ceremony will take place on March 15, 2026, at the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood. Comedian and television host Conan O’Brien is returning to host the event for the second consecutive year. The ceremony will be broadcast live on ABC and streamed globally across multiple platforms, including Hulu and Disney+.While Homebound did not advance to the final Oscar nominations, its international reception and critical acclaim have reinforced Neeraj Ghaywan’s standing as a filmmaker
