India’s journey at the Academy Awards this year ended on a subdued note as Neeraj Ghaywan’s Homebound failed to progress beyond the nomination round. The film exited the race when the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences revealed the final contenders for the International Feature Film category at the 98th Oscars. Despite early promise and global visibility, the Indian entry did not secure a place among the final five, marking a disappointing moment for Indian cinema on the world’s most prestigious awards stage.
Final International Feature Film Nominees Announced
The shortlist ultimately narrowed down to five international productions representing a diverse mix of countries and storytelling styles. Brazil earned a nomination with The Secret Agent, while France made the cut with It Was Just an Accident. Norway’s Sentimental Value, Spain’s Sirât, and Tunisia’s The Voice of Hind Rajab rounded off the final selection. Each of these films has been steadily building acclaim through festival circuits and award ceremonies, intensifying the competition for a spot in the final lineup.
Homebound’s Strong Festival Run Falls Short
Homebound had entered the Oscar conversation with considerable momentum. The film premiered in the Un Certain Regard section at the Cannes Film Festival in May last year, drawing attention for its emotional depth and grounded storytelling. It later advanced to the Academy’s shortlist of 15 films in the International Feature Film category, a notable achievement in itself. However, the final round proved especially competitive, with several heavyweight contenders dominating critical discourse and awards buzz worldwide.
The Secret Agent Gains Awards Season Dominance
Among the strongest contenders was Brazil’s The Secret Agent, which has enjoyed a remarkable run since its Cannes debut. The political drama is set against the backdrop of Brazil’s military dictatorship in 1977 and follows a widowed man who returns to Recife during carnival season in hopes of reconnecting with his son. Directed by Kleber Mendonça Filho, the film combines personal grief with broader political commentary, using everyday situations to highlight systemic corruption and authoritarian control. Its cinematic richness, layered sound design, and powerful performances have earned it major recognition, including top honours for direction and acting at Cannes, as well as Golden Globe wins that significantly boosted its Oscar prospects.
Moral Reckoning in It Was Just an Accident
French nominee It Was Just an Accident, helmed by Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi, has long been viewed as a formidable awards contender. Secretly filmed in Tehran, the movie emerged as a bold and unconventional revenge narrative that prioritises ethical conflict over conventional drama. Rather than focusing on retribution alone, the film examines the moral cost of vengeance while delivering a sharp critique of authoritarian systems. Its triumph at Cannes with the Palme d’Or and multiple Golden Globe nominations cemented its status as a serious Oscar challenger.
Sentimental Value Explores Family and Failure
Norway’s Sentimental Value entered the Oscars with overwhelming support from critics and award bodies. Directed and co-written by Joachim Trier, the film garnered an impressive nine nominations across major categories. The story centres on a once-celebrated filmmaker grappling with irrelevance and fractured relationships with his daughters. Through nuanced performances and emotional restraint, the film offers a poignant meditation on artistic legacy, familial distance, and unspoken regret. Its Grand Prix win at Cannes further strengthened its global standing.
Sirât Blends Emotion and Atmosphere
Spain’s Sirât, directed by Oliver Laxe, stands out for its immersive sensory experience and genre-blending approach. Set in the Moroccan desert, the film follows a father traveling with his young son and dog in search of his missing daughter, who is believed to be involved in the region’s rave culture. The narrative unfolds as both a physical journey and an emotional reckoning, with striking visuals and soundscapes enhancing its meditative tone. Its Cannes Jury Prize win underscored its artistic ambition and emotional resonance.
A Political Cry in The Voice of Hind Rajab
Tunisia’s The Voice of Hind Rajab is among the most overtly political entries in the category. Written and directed by Kaouther Ben Hania, the docudrama reconstructs the tragic events surrounding a six-year-old Palestinian girl trapped under siege in Gaza City in 2024. After losing her family during an attack, the child’s call to emergency responders becomes the emotional core of the film. By using her real voice alongside dramatized reconstructions of rescue efforts, the film delivers a harrowing account of conflict, loss, and human vulnerability.
Homebound’s Lasting Impact Beyond Oscars
Although Homebound did not advance to the final Oscar nominations, its journey remains meaningful for Indian cinema. The film resonated internationally with its intimate portrayal of friendship, ambition, and systemic pressure. Producer Karan Johar publicly acknowledged Neeraj Ghaywan’s vision, expressing gratitude for the filmmaker’s artistry and the light he brought to the project.
About Homebound
Homebound traces the lives of two childhood friends, played by Ishaan Khatter and Vishal Jethwa, as they navigate the challenges of preparing for the national police examination. Their shared dreams and personal struggles form the emotional backbone of the story. The film also features Janhvi Kapoor in the role of Chandan’s classmate, adding another layer to the narrative’s exploration of youth, aspiration, and social reality.
