Academy Awards 2026: India's 'Homebound' advances to round of 15

Indian cinema returned to the global awards spotlight as Homebound, directed by Neeraj Ghaywan, advanced to the next round of voting in the International Feature Film category at the Academy Awards.

The Academy announced that fifteen films from across the world have moved to the next round of voting in the International Feature Film category. Homebound features alongside entries from Argentina, Brazil, France, Germany, Iraq, Japan, Jordan, Norway, Palestine, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, Taiwan and Tunisia.

Recommended For You

Video: Man shot in Minneapolis during federal immigration operation

Taxation Society hosts ‘Tax Ready 2026’ conference on UAE’s evolving tax framework

Wind wreaks havoc as McIlroy, Fleetwood falter and Lowry, Elvira seize control

UAE: Aerial parade across 7 emirates to mark 'Day of Solidarity'; map, timings revealed

Earning Dh15,000 salary? Dubai bank launches first digital home loan pre-approval

 

The other shortlisted films include Belen (Argentina), The Secret Agent (Brazil), It Was Just an Accident (France), Sound of Falling (Germany), The President's Cake (Iraq), Kokuho (Japan), All That's Left of You (Jordan), Sentimental Value (Norway), Palestine 36 (Palestine), No Other Choice (South Korea), Sirat (Spain), Late Shift (Switzerland), Left-Handed Girl (Taiwan) and The Voice of Hind Rajab (Tunisia).

Announcing the update, the official social media handle of The Academy posted, "Fifteen films advanced to the next round of voting in the International Feature Film category. Here's where they land on the map..."

The final nominations for the Academy Awards will be announced on Thursday, January 22.

Homebound has received global acclaim, including premieres at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival, Toronto International Film Festival and the Melbourne International Film Festival.

With a recent Oscar shortlist, the Ishaan Khatter and Vishal Jethwa starrer has become the fifth film in Indian cinema to be shortlisted for Best International Feature Film in the 98-year history of the Academy Awards.

Ishaan shared the proud moment on his Instagram stories.

Homebound's inclusion in the prestigious shortlist marks a significant moment for the country's film industry.

"Fifteen films will advance to the next round of voting in the International Feature Film category for the 98th Academy Awards. Films from 86 countries or regions were eligible in the category," stated the website of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS).

Homebound follows childhood friends Shoaib (Ishaan Khatter) and Chandan (Vishal Jethwa), whose shared dream of joining the police force shapes their lives, with Janhvi Kapoor adding emotional depth to a story grounded in friendship, duty, and the pressures facing young India.

Directed by Neeraj Ghaywan, the film is produced by Karan Johar, Adar Poonawalla, and Apoorva Mehta, and co-produced by Marijke deSouza and Melita Toscan Du Plantier, with Martin Scorsese and Pravin Khairnar serving as Executive Producers.