Neeraj Ghaywan’s Homebound Selected as India’s Official Entry to Oscars 2026
In a proud moment for Indian cinema, Neeraj Ghaywan’s Hindi film Homebound has been officially selected as India’s entry to the 2026 Academy Awards in the Best International Feature Film category. The announcement was made at a press conference in Kolkata by the chairperson of the selection committee, veteran filmmaker N. Chandra, who praised the film for its emotional depth and cultural relevance. The selection was made unanimously by a 12-member jury comprising industry professionals — including producers, directors, writers, and journalists — after reviewing 24 strong contenders from various Indian languages.
Homebound is inspired by journalist Basharat Peer’s New York Times article “Taking Amrit Home”, which explores themes of friendship, caste, and mortality during the COVID-19 pandemic. Set against the backdrop of rural India, the film follows the journey of a Muslim and a Dalit childhood friend, both aspiring for dignity through a job in the police force. Their bond and shared dreams are tested by caste realities, communal identity, and an unexpected tragedy.
The film was well received at major international festivals
India has had notable moments at the Oscars, especially in categories like Best Original Song, Sound, and Costume, with wins for films like Slumdog Millionaire and RRR. However, in the Best International Feature Film category,
Only three Indian films have received nominations:
Deepa Mehta’s Water was also nominated but represented Canada
No Indian film has yet won in this specific category, making Homebound’s journey to the 98th Academy Awards, scheduled for March 15, 2026, a highly anticipated one.
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