India’s Oscar Hopes Dashed as Neeraj Ghaywan’s ‘Homebound’ Misses Final Five for 98th Academy Awards

Produced by Karan Johar and boasting the heavyweight endorsement of Martin Scorsese as an Executive Producer, Homebound was widely regarded as India’s strongest contender in years. The film, featuring poignant performances by Ishaan Khatter, Janhvi Kapoor, and Vishal Jethwa, navigated the harrowing complexities of social discrimination and the quest for dignity through the lens of two friends. Having premiered to a standing ovation at the Cannes Film Festival’s ‘Un Certain Regard’ section, the narrative’s universal resonance had earned it significant traction among global critics, placing it at the forefront of the international cinematic conversation.

However, the final race proved to be an uphill battle against a formidable slate of global cinema. The Academy instead favored a diverse selection of international heavyweights, including Brazil’s The Secret Agent, France’s It Was Just an Accident, Norway’s Sentimental Value, Spain’s Sirat, and Tunisia’s The Voice of Hind Rajab. Industry analysts noted that the 98th edition featured one of the most crowded and prestigious fields in recent memory, with several major festival winners vying for the limited slots, leaving little room for error in the final voting rounds.

In the wake of the announcement, the film’s creative team maintained a dignified stance, viewing the journey as a milestone rather than a defeat. Producer Karan Johar took to social media to express his pride, emphasizing that reaching the shortlist was an achievement that showcased the maturing sensibilities of Indian storytelling on the global stage. Lead actor Vishal Jethwa echoed these sentiments, noting that representing the nation at such a high level was a victory in itself. As the global film community prepares for the main ceremony on March 15, 2026, where the film Sinners leads the pack with a record-breaking 16 nominations, the Indian film industry is left to reflect on a campaign that, while falling short of a trophy, undoubtedly elevated the stature of Indian social-realist cinema in the eyes of the world.