Homebound Shortlisted for Oscars, What’s Next?

Every year, India selects one film to represent the country at the Academy Awards in the Best International Feature Film category. The decision is usually made after reviewing films from different languages and industries within Indian cinema.

In September 2025, after twenty-four films were considered, including a few Telugu films such as Pushpa 2, Sankranthiki Vasthunnam, Kannappa, and Kuberaa, the selection committee announced that Neeraj Ghaywan’s Hindi film Homebound would be India’s official entry for the 2026 Oscars.

The International Feature Film Committee watches all eligible submissions. From entries across the world, they vote to create a shortlist of 15 films. On Tuesday, it was announced that Homebound has been shortlisted for Best International Feature Film at the 98th Academy Awards, scheduled to be held in March 2026.

After this stage, Academy members who opt into this category watch the shortlisted films and vote again. This round determines the final five nominees, which will be announced in January. In the final voting phase, all eligible Academy voters can vote among these five nominees in February. The film with the highest number of votes wins the Oscar in March.

Getting shortlisted is a significant achievement and places the film just one step away from an official nomination. It now remains to be seen whether Homebound will make it to the nominations and go on to win the Oscar.

Homebound is produced by Karan Johar and Adar Poonawalla. It stars Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhvi Kapoor. The story follows two childhood friends from a small village in North India who dream of joining the police force. They face obstacles due to caste and religion, but their friendship and determination keep them going.

The film has already made a strong international impression. It premiered at the Cannes Film Festival 2025 and later screened at the Toronto International Film Festival, where it emerged as the second runner-up for the International People’s Choice Award.