Homebound at Oscars 2026: Neeraj Ghaywan’s Masterpiece Enters Official Shortlist

In a landmark achievement for Indian cinema, Neeraj Ghaywan’s sophomore feature “Homebound” has been officially shortlisted for the Best International Feature Film category at the 98th Academy Awards (Oscars 2026). Announced on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, the film is now among the top 15 global contenders vying for the final five nominations.

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This marks a significant milestone, as “Homebound” is the first Indian film to enter the official shortlist since the Academy introduced this specific pre-nomination phase. Historically, only Mother India (1957), Salaam Bombay! (1988), and Lagaan (2001) have reached the final nomination stage.

🎥 The Story and Critical Acclaim

Inspired by Basharat Peer’s 2020 New York Times essay, “A Friendship, a Pandemic and a Death Beside the Highway,” the film explores the brutal socio-political realities of modern India.

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• The Plot: Two childhood friends, Shoaib (Ishaan Khatter), a Muslim, and Chandan (Vishal Jethwa), a Dalit, aspire to join the police force to escape their marginalized backgrounds. Their dreams and loyalty are tested when the 2020 COVID-19 lockdown forces them on a perilous journey home.
• The Cast: Ishaan Khatter and Vishal Jethwa deliver career-defining performances, supported by Janhvi Kapoor as Sudha Bharti.
• Festival Run: The film received a 9-minute standing ovation at its Cannes premiere (Un Certain Regard) and won the Second Runner-Up for the International People’s Choice Award at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).

🚀 The “Scorsese” Edge and Global Campaign

Unlike previous Indian entries, Homebound is backed by a powerhouse international campaign:

• Martin Scorsese’s Backing: The Hollywood legend joined as Executive Producer and mentor, even hosting Q&A sessions in New York to introduce Ghaywan to Academy voters.
• Production Power: Co-produced by Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions, the film has seen a high-decibel “Oscar campaign on steroids,” focusing on extensive screenings in Los Angeles and New York.

📅 What’s Next for Homebound?

The film now faces a critical voting period as Academy members must watch all 15 shortlisted films to decide the final nominees.