The selection highlights a remarkably broad spectrum of Indian storytelling, moving beyond traditional drama into animation and independent regional cinema. Joining the high-profile releases are Mahavatar Narsimha, a multilingual animated feature, and Tourist Family, a Tamil production helmed by debut director Abishan Jeevinth. Furthermore, the Hindi-language UK-India co-production Sister Midnight, starring Radhika Apte, has also secured its place on the list. While a total of 317 films were deemed eligible for general categories, only 201 met the stringent "Representation and Inclusion Standards" (RAISE) and expanded theatrical requirements necessary to vie for the evening's most prestigious honor, Best Picture.
Navigating the Academy’s modern eligibility framework is no small feat for international productions. To qualify, these films were required to complete a minimum seven-day qualifying run in major U.S. metropolitan hubs—ranging from Los Angeles and New York to Atlanta and Dallas—during the 2025 calendar year. For the Best Picture category specifically, the criteria were even more demanding, necessitating a confidential submission regarding inclusion standards and an expanded theatrical presence in at least 10 of the top 50 American markets. This administrative and commercial gauntlet ensures that the films listed are not merely critical successes at home but have established a legitimate footprint within the North American theatrical ecosystem.
As the industry looks toward the official nominations announcement on January 22, the momentum for India is bolstered by Neeraj Ghaywan’s Homebound. Already shortlisted in December 2025, Homebound remains a formidable contender in the International Feature Film category, representing India's official submission. The presence of these films on the reminder list signifies that they have successfully entered the final phase of peer-based voting. With the 98th Oscars set to take place on March 15, the inclusion of these titles underscores the growing technical and narrative sophistication of Indian filmmakers who are increasingly tailoring their distribution strategies to meet the exacting standards of the global stage.
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