The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has recently revealed the final nominations for the 98th Oscars, scheduled for March 2026. India's official
submission, Neeraj Ghaywan’s highly praised Homebound, featuring Vishal Jethwa, Ishaan Khatter, and Janhvi Kapoor in leading roles, did not secure a spot in the final nominations. In response to this announcement, renowned filmmaker Karan Johar, who produced the film, shared a post on social media. The film had its debut at the Cannes Film Festival in 2025, followed by appearances at other festivals including the Toronto International Film Festival.
Karan Johar responds to Homebound being overlooked at the Oscars 2025
Karan Johar shared an Instagram story expressing his disappointment over Homebound not being included in the final list of International Feature Film nominations for the Oscars. The message stated, "It's unfortunate that 'Homebound' was not selected for the final Oscar nominations; it stands as one of the most remarkable and significant films produced in India. In fact, it ranks among the most exceptional films ever created. Thank you for its artistry, its melancholy, and its optimism." In reaction to this post, KJo expressed his appreciation with red heart emojis as a sign of gratitude and support.
The films that made it to the next round in the category are:
The Secret Agent – Brazil
It Was Just an Accident – France
Sentimental Value – Norway
Sirât – Spain
The Voice of Hind Rajab – Tunisia
About the film
Homebound narrates the tale of Chandan and Shoaib, who are facing societal injustices related to caste and religion. Their bond of friendship and brotherhood is put to the test. However, the COVID-19 pandemic alters their lives significantly.
More on Oscars 2026
The 98th Academy Awards is set for March 15, 2026. Comedian and late-night television star Conan O’Brien will return as the host for the second year in a row following his highly acclaimed performance at last year's event. The ceremony will be available for free live streaming on Oscar.com and Oscar.org. Additionally, it can be viewed on The Academy’s official social media channels on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube. This year, the nominations will also be streamed live on platforms such as Hulu, JioHotstar, and ABC News Live.
