Oscars 2026: Homebound Earns India a Spot on International Feature Film Shortlist

Oscars 2026: India’s Homebound Shortlisted for Best International Feature Film at the Academy Awards

Indian cinema has received a major boost on the global stage as Homebound has been officially shortlisted for the Best International Feature Film category at the Oscars 2026. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced the shortlist as part of its preliminary selections across multiple categories, placing India among the world’s most acclaimed cinematic voices this year.

The shortlist narrows down entries from 86 eligible countries and regions to just 15 films, marking a significant achievement for the Indian film industry.

Homebound Among 15 Films Advancing to the Next Round

The International Feature Film at Academy Awards shortlist features films from diverse regions, reflecting a wide range of cultural, political, and social narratives. Alongside Homebound, the list includes films from Argentina, Brazil, France, Germany, Iraq, Japan, Jordan, Norway, Palestine, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, Taiwan, and Tunisia.

This selection represents the most competitive phase of the awards process, where only a small fraction of submissions advance. For India, Homebound’s inclusion places it among the most talked-about global films of the season leading into Oscars 2026.

How the Shortlisting Process Works

Academy members from all branches participate in the preliminary voting process. To be eligible to vote, members are required to view the submitted films in the category. For the final nomination stage, members who opt in must watch all 15 shortlisted films before casting their votes.

This rigorous viewing requirement ensures that the final nominations are based on informed and comprehensive evaluation rather than popularity alone. The final nominees for the International Feature Film category will be announced closer to the awards ceremony.

The Story Behind Homebound

Directed by Neeraj Ghaywan, Homebound is set in a northern Indian village and centers on the lives of two childhood friends. The story follows their shared dream of passing the national police examination — a career path that promises dignity, stability, and social respect.

As the friends move closer to achieving their goal, their bond begins to fracture under the weight of disappointment, systemic barriers, and emotional exhaustion. The film explores themes of friendship, ambition, identity, and the quiet despair faced by millions navigating uncertain futures.

Rather than focusing on spectacle, Homebound relies on intimate storytelling and emotional realism, which has resonated strongly with international audiences and critics.

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Neeraj Ghaywan on the Film’s Inspiration

Director Neeraj Ghaywan has shared that the idea for Homebound originated from an op-ed essay that appeared in an international publication. The essay was based on a true story from India and centered on friendship and loss during the pandemic.

According to Ghaywan, the film uses this personal narrative as a foundation to explore larger global questions. These include why people are compelled to leave their homes, what drives migration, and how economic pressure intersects with dignity and identity.

He has emphasized that migration is not solely about money or employment but is deeply tied to existential questions — a theme that gives Homebound its universal appeal.

Why Homebound Stands Out at Oscars 2026

What sets Homebound apart in the Oscars 2026 race is its ability to tell a deeply local story with global relevance. The struggles faced by its characters echo across borders, reflecting shared human experiences of aspiration, disillusionment, and belonging.

The film’s understated approach, strong performances, and sensitive direction align with the Academy’s growing appreciation for socially grounded narratives. Its selection suggests a continued global interest in Indian stories that move beyond stereotypes and focus on lived realities.

A Milestone for Indian Cinema

India’s presence on the shortlist for International Feature Film at Academy Awards is a reminder of the country’s evolving cinematic voice. Over recent years, Indian filmmakers have increasingly gained international recognition for nuanced storytelling and bold thematic choices.

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Homebound’s success adds to this momentum, reinforcing the idea that Indian cinema can compete meaningfully on the world’s biggest film platform.

What Comes Next

With Homebound advancing to the next round, anticipation now builds toward the final nominations. Whether or not it secures a final slot, its presence on the shortlist already marks a significant achievement for the film and its creators.

As Oscars 2026 draws closer, Homebound stands as a powerful representation of Indian cinema — rooted in local reality, yet resonating far beyond national boundaries.

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