From Cannes to Hollywood’s Threshold: Homebound Earns a Place on the Oscars Shortlist
Neeraj Ghaywan’s Homebound has entered the Oscars International Feature shortlist, drawing emotional praise from Karan Johar and placing Indian cinema among elite global contenders for 2026.
Neeraj Ghaywan’s evocation drama Homebound, starring Ishaan Khatter, Janhvi Kapoor, and Vishal Jethwa, has achieved a defining milestone by securing a place on the shortlist for the 98th Academy in the Best International Feature Film category. The announcement marks a moment of quiet triumph for Indian cinema, positioning the film among the world’s most compelling global narrative.
Soon after the news broke, producer Karan Jphar shared a deeply persona and emotional reflection, capturing the magnitude of the moment. Expressing a mix of pride and disbelief, Johar described the journey of Homebound as something beyond articulation, an odyssey that left him “elated” and “over the moon.” He noted that the film now occupies a place of honour within Dharma Productions’ creative legacy, calling it both a privilege and a landmark achievement.
Johar reserved special gratitude for director Neeraj Ghaywan, acknowledging his singular vision and emotional precision. He credited Ghaywan with transforming long-held aspirations into reality, tracing the film’s ascent from international acclaim at Cannes to its recognition by the Academy. Extending warmth to the cast, crew, and creative teams, Johar described the experience as overwhelming yet affirming, signing off with a hopeful refrain of progress and continuity. Homebound is currently streaming on Netflix India, allowing audiences to witness the film that has captivated juries worldwide.
Inside the Oscars Shortlist
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has unveiled shortlists across 12 competitive categories for the upcoming edition of the Oscars. These span Animated Short Film, Casting, Cinematography, Documentary Feature and Short Film, International Feature Film, Live Action Short Film, Makeup and Hairstyling, Original Score, Original Song, Sound, and Visual Effects.
Within the fiercely contested International Feature Film category, Homebound stands shoulder to shoulder with a diverse array of cinematic voices from across continents. The shortlist includes Argentina’s Belen, Brazil’s The Secret Agent, France’s It Was Just an Accident, Germany’s Sound of Falling, Iraq’s The President’s Cake, Japan’s Kokuho, Jordan’s All That’s Left of You, Norway’s Sentimental Value, Palestine’s Palestine 36, South Korea’s No Other Choice, Spain’s Sirat, Switzerland’s Late Shift, Taiwan’s Left-Handed Girl, and Tunisia’s The Voice of Hind Rajab.
The final list of Oscar nominees will be announced on January 22, 2026, while the 98th Academy Awards ceremony is set to take place on March 15, 2026, a date that could further etch Homebound into cinematic history.
