Highlights:
-
Homebound secures a place among 15 films shortlisted for Best International Feature Film at Oscars 2026.
-
The film stars Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhvi Kapoor and premiered at Cannes 2025.
-
Released in cinemas on September 26, 2025, and streaming on Netflix since November 21.
-
India has not had a final nominee in this category since Lagaan over 20 years ago.
- Advertisement - -
The Oscar voting process requires members to watch all competing films, ensuring thorough consideration.
-
The competition includes films from France, South Korea, Norway, Argentina, and Japan.
Neeraj Ghaywan’s Homebound has been shortlisted for the Best International Feature Film category at the 2026 Oscars, marking a significant milestone for Indian cinema. The film, starring Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhvi Kapoor, is now one of 15 entries competing for a nomination. After a festival premiere at Cannes in May 2025 and a theatrical release in September, Homebound is currently streaming on Netflix, broadening its reach as the Academy voters review submissions.
Final Oscar nominations will be announced on January 22, 2026, with the awards ceremony scheduled for March 15.
Why the Homebound Oscars 2026 Shortlist Is Important for Indian Cinema
India has not secured a final nomination in the Best International Feature category for over 20 years. The last Indian film nominated was Lagaan. Earlier nominees include Salaam Bombay! and Mother India, none of which won. More recently, the Gujarati film Last Film Show made the shortlist but did not advance to the final five.
For Homebound to reach the shortlist, it had to stand out among more than 80 global submissions. The Academy’s voting process requires members to watch all entries in this category before voting, ensuring a rigorous selection.
What Homebound Depicts: A Story of Caste and Friendship
Set in a small North Indian town, Homebound follows the intertwined lives of two boys, Shoaib (Ishaan Khatter) and Chandan (Vishal Jethwa), who aspire to become police officers. Their dreams are challenged by the rigid caste system and societal divisions shaped by religion. Janhvi Kapoor plays a supporting role that adds further complexity to the story.
Director Neeraj Ghaywan, known for tackling caste issues in his previous work, adopts an intimate approach with the camera focused closely on his characters. Khatter’s Shoaib is portrayed as hopeful, while Jethwa’s Chandan embodies defeat. Kapoor’s understated performance adds depth without overpowering the narrative.
View this post on Instagram
Industry Response to Homebound’s Oscar Shortlisting
Karan Johar, producer under the Dharma banner, expressed pride and excitement over the film’s journey from Cannes to the Oscar shortlist. Neeraj Ghaywan publicly thanked viewers and supporters for their encouragement.
The competition remains strong. Notable international contenders include France’s It Was Just an Accident by Jafar Panahi, South Korea’s No Other Choice directed by Park Chan-wook, Norway’s Sentimental Value by Joachim Trier, Argentina’s Belén, and Japan’s Kokuho. These countries have a long history of success at the Academy Awards. India, despite its rich cinematic tradition, has yet to win in this category.
View this post on Instagram
Timeline and Next Steps for Homebound at the Oscars
Voting for the final nominations takes place from January 12 to January 16, 2026. The Academy will announce the official nominees on January 22. The 98th Academy Awards ceremony is set for March 15, where the winner in the Best International Feature Film category will be revealed.
