Homebound — the critically acclaimed drama directed by Neeraj Ghaywan and starring Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa and Janhvi Kapoor — has missed out on a nomination in the Best International Feature Film category at the 98th Academy Awards (Oscars 2026). Despite being India’s official submission and making it onto the shortlist of 15 films, it did not make the final list of five contenders announced on January 22, 2026.
Oscars 2026: Official Nominations Announced
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences revealed the final nominations for the 2026 Oscars, capping off weeks of anticipation in the global film community. Homebound, which had been one of the most talked-about international hopefuls following its successful festival run, was not included among the five films nominated for Best International Feature Film.
The films that did secure nominations in the category include:
- The Secret Agent (Brazil)
- It Was Just an Accident (France)
- Sentimental Value (Norway)
- Sirât (Spain)
- The Voice of Hind Rajab (Tunisia)
Homebound’s Oscars Journey
Homebound had generated significant global buzz after being India’s official Oscar entry and earning a spot on the Academy’s shortlist of 15 films — a milestone in itself given the competitiveness of the category. This achievement reflected the film’s strong critical reception at international festivals, including its premiere in the Un Certain Regard section at the Cannes Film Festival and screenings at other prestigious events.
However, when the Academy’s members voted on the final nominations, the film fell short of making the top five, ending its formal Oscars race despite early optimism.
Industry Reaction
After the nominations were announced, producer Karan Johar — one of the key backers of the film — took to social media to express pride in Homebound’s journey, sharing stills from the movie and acknowledging the team’s hard work. Director Neeraj Ghaywan also publicly thanked Johar for his support throughout the awards campaign.
While there’s disappointment around the snub, makers and fans alike noted on social platforms that reaching the Hollywood shortlist remains a noteworthy achievement for an Indian film in one of cinema’s most competitive international categories.
About Homebound
Released in Indian theatres on 26 September 2025, Homebound is inspired by journalist Basharat Peer’s New York Times article “Taking Amrit Home” and tells the story of two childhood friends striving for dignity and identity in a society marked by inequality and systemic barriers. The film explores deep emotional themes including friendship, caste and religion-based discrimination, and resilience against social odds.
Backed by Dharma Productions with Hollywood executive producer Martin Scorsese attached, Homebound was widely lauded for both its storytelling and performances, and its Oscars campaign drew international attention.
What This Means for India at the Oscars
India’s journey in the Best International Feature Film category has historically been challenging; only a handful of its films have ever been nominated — including Mother India (1957), Salaam Bombay! (1988) and Lagaan (2002) — and none have won to date. Homebound’s shortlist placement marked another moment of international spotlight, even if it did not translate into a nomination.
With the 98th Academy Awards ceremony scheduled for 15 March 2026, attention now shifts to other nominated films and categories, while Homebound continues to stream and find audiences worldwide.
Final Take
Homebound’s exit from the Oscars race — while disappointing to many — underscores both the global quality of Indian cinema and the intense competition in the Best International Feature Film category. Its presence on the shortlist highlighted how powerful, socially rooted storytelling continues to resonate globally, even if it didn’t secure a final nomination this year.
