Oscars 2026: Homebound Is India’s Official Entry But Will It Secure A Nomination?

India’s Oscar journey for 2026 has officially begun with the Film Federation of India selecting Neeraj Ghaywan’s Homebound, starring Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa and Janhvi Kapoor, as the country’s official submission in the Best International Feature Film category. The announcement was made on September 19, 2025, sparking excitement across the industry. But while the film’s selection is a milestone, it does not automatically translate into a nomination at the Academy Awards. The path ahead involves multiple stages of scrutiny and voting.

The Oscar Nomination Process For International Films The Academy follows a multi-round process before finalising nominees in the International Feature Film category. First, each country is allowed to submit

one film that meets eligibility criteria, including a theatrical release of at least seven consecutive days in its home country and primarily being in a non-English language.

From these global submissions, the International Feature Film Preliminary Committee reviews and votes on the films. This results in a shortlist of 15 titles. In the next round, all active and life members of the Academy are invited to view these 15 shortlisted films. To ensure fairness, members must watch all the shortlisted entries before casting their votes. Their secret ballots then decide the final five nominees.

Once the five nominees are chosen, the final decision rests again with Academy members who have seen all five, determining the ultimate winner.

India’s Mixed Track Record At The Oscars
India has a rich history with the Academy Awards, though success has often been elusive in the International Feature Film category. Only three Indian films have ever been nominated: Mother India (1957), Salaam Bombay! (1988), and Lagaan (2001).

In recent years, India’s entries have struggled to secure nominations. Last year’s official submission, Laapataa Ladies, failed to make it to the shortlist for the 97th Academy Awards. This reflects the tough global competition, where dozens of critically acclaimed films from around the world vie for just five spots.

Celebrated Indian Oscar Wins
Despite challenges in the International Feature Film category, India has earned recognition in other Oscar categories. Bhanu Athaiya became the first Indian to win an Academy Award for Best Costume Design in Gandhi (1982). In 2009, Slumdog Millionaire brought home Oscars for A.R. Rahman (Best Original Score), Gulzar (Best Original Song for “Jai Ho”), and Resul Pookutty (Best Sound Mixing). More recently, 2023 marked a historic year as RRR’s “Naatu Naatu” won Best Original Song, while The Elephant Whisperers bagged Best Documentary Short for Kartiki Gonsalves and Guneet Monga.

As Homebound gears up for its theatrical release on September 26, 2025, all eyes are now on its journey through the Academy’s rigorous selection rounds.