Indian cinema returned to the global awards spotlight as Homebound advanced to the next round of voting in the International Feature Film category at the Academy Awards. The development places India among 15 countries whose films remain in contention for the prestigious honour.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced that fifteen films from around the world have progressed to the next stage of voting. India’s Homebound features alongside shortlisted entries from Argentina, Brazil, France, Germany, Iraq, Japan, Jordan, Norway, Palestine, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, Taiwan and Tunisia.
The shortlisted films include Belén (Argentina), The Secret Agent (Brazil), It Was Just an Accident (France), Sound of Falling (Germany), The President’s Cake (Iraq), Kokuho (Japan), All That’s Left of You (Jordan), Sentimental Value (Norway), Palestine 36 (Palestine), No Other Choice (South Korea), Sirât (Spain), Late Shift (Switzerland), Left-Handed Girl (Taiwan), The Voice of Hind Rajab (Tunisia), and Homebound from India.
Announcing the update, the official social media handle of The Academy posted, “Fifteen films advanced to the next round of voting in the International Feature Film category. Here’s where they land on the map…”
Directed by Neeraj Ghaywan, Homebound is India’s official entry for the Oscars and has now moved one step closer in the race for recognition at the 97th Academy Awards. Voting for the shortlisted films is currently underway, with the final nominations set to be announced on Thursday, January 22, 2026. The 98th Academy Awards ceremony is scheduled to take place on March 15, 2026.
The film stars Ishaan Khatter and Vishal Jethwa as childhood friends Shoaib and Chandan, who dream of joining the police force. Janhvi Kapoor also features in a key role, adding emotional depth to their relationship. The screenplay is written by Shreedhar Dubey, Neeraj Ghaywan and Varun Grover.
Homebound is produced by Karan Johar, Adar Poonawalla, Apoorva Mehta and Somen Mishra, with renowned Hollywood filmmaker Martin Scorsese serving as executive producer. Following the announcement, Karan Johar reacted to the news by resharing the update on his Instagram handle.
With its advancement to the next voting round, Homebound continues India’s presence on the global awards stage, strengthening hopes for a final nomination when the Academy reveals the official list later this month.
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