The latest and sensational update reveals that the Indian film Homebound (Hindi) has been shortlisted for the Best International Feature Film category at the 98th Academy Awards, a.k.a Oscars 2026.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on Tuesday announced shortlists across 12 categories. In the Best International Feature Film category, 15 films have become eligible for the final nominations, and the Bollywood film has made it to this elite list. Final nominations will be announced on January 22, 2026. Homebound moving one step closer to the Oscars is surely a surreal moment for Indian cinema lovers.
The other films shortlisted alongside Homebound include Argentina’s Belén, 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 Sirât, Switzerland’s Late Shift, Taiwan’s Left-Handed Girl, and Tunisia’s The Voice of Hind Rajab.
Homebound producer Karan Johar expressed his joy on social media, writing, “I am not sure I can articulate how proud, elated, and over the moon I am with the journey of #HOMEBOUND… all of us @dharmamovies are privileged to have this proud and important film in our filmography.”
Homebound is India’s official entry for the 98th Academy Awards in the Best International Feature Film category. Directed by Neeraj Ghaywan, the film stars Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhvi Kapoor in lead roles. The movie explores caste and religious biases in India and follows two friends as they fight against them while trying to build their lives. The film is currently streaming on Netflix. Check out our review to find out how it is.