Indian Cinema Scores Another Spot On Oscar 2026

A couple of years ago, when AR Rahman won the prestigious Academy Award, aka Oscar, for Slumdog Millionaire, many thought that it was just a one-time wonder.

All thanks to SS Rajamouli now, not only did an Indian film like “RRR” get nominated in the Best Original Song category, but it won an award straight away, with MM Keeravani and lyricist Chandrabose walking away with the honours. Guess what, it looks like India might have its best shot again at the Oscars 2026 as well.

Bollywood hero Ishaan Khatter and Vishal Jethwa starred in the recently released movie Homebound, which has topped even the Netflix charts after it started to stream on OTT. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Neeraj Ghaywan, who has crafted films like Masaan and Ajeeb Dastans, Homebound has now made it to the final 15 films list that were selected from 80 countries.

Of this list, only five films will secure a nomination to compete for the Best Foreign Feature Academy Award. If Homebound gets nominated, surely the 98th Academy Awards are going to be more special than ever for the Indian diaspora.

Reacting to the news, the film’s producer Dharma Productions, spearheaded by Karan Johar, shared a note that read, “Homebound has been shortlisted for Best International Feature Film at the 98th Academy Awards. We’re deeply grateful for the extraordinary love and support we’ve received from around the world.”

The whole of India is currently hoping for “Homebound” to make it big at the Oscar Nominations, such that they could witness what South Korea witnessed with the film “Parasite” years ago. Creativity already shone, hope luck shines too.