New Delhi [India], January 9: Cinephiles are eagerly anticipating the 2025 Oscars, set to take place in March, and several Indian films are in the race for potential nominations across various categories.
Recently, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences revealed its “reminder list,” which includes Girish Malik’s film Band of Maharajas, among others. Films listed on the reminder list will be voted on by Oscar members and have a chance to secure a nomination.
Girish Malik expressed his excitement: “I am thrilled. Reaching this stage and receiving such validation from the Oscars is a big achievement. I know the journey isn’t easy with so many films in competition. Fingers crossed—let’s see what happens next.”
Producer Puneet Singh and actor Navraj Hans also shared their joy. Navraj said, “We are all extremely happy.” Puneet added, “Girish is an extraordinary talent and a dear friend. I have always believed in the stories he tells through his films. We’re ecstatic that Band of Maharajas is now getting the recognition it deserves on the Academy’s website.”
Written and directed by Girish Malik, Band of Maharajas is a musical exploring the theme of how music transcends borders and unites cultures. The film is now eligible for the Best Picture category at the Academy Awards, along with other Indian films like Aadujeevitham: The Goat Life, Girls will be Girls, Santosh, All We Imagine as Light, Putul, and Swatantriya Veer Savarkar.
Being listed on the reminder list does not guarantee an Academy Award nomination, but it means the film is officially in the running.
Meanwhile, in light of the recent wildfires in Los Angeles, the Academy has extended the voting window for Oscar nominations. Voting, which opened on January 8 for nearly 10,000 Academy members, will now close on January 14 (originally set for January 12). The nominations, initially scheduled to be announced on January 17, will now be revealed on January 19.