India Official Entry Homebound Misses Final Oscars 2026 Nomination List

India's official Oscar 2026 entry Homebound failed to secure a final nomination, extending the country's long wait for recognition at the Academy Awards. The film, helmed by Neeraj Ghaywan and backed by Karan Johar, was contending in the Best International Feature Film category.

Homebound, featuring Ishaan Khatter and Vishal Jethwa, had earned critical acclaim, with many hoping it would finally help India secure a place among the final five nominees. However, the announcement made on January 22 dashed the hopes of millions, with the film failing to make it to the final nominations.

Firdausul Hasan, President of the Film Federation of India, expressed his thoughts on the film's exclusion, saying, "Our jury had selected Homebound because they believed it was the best film to represent India. The Academy jury, however, makes its decision based on its own criteria." He added that while it would have been great to have an Indian film move ahead, the team respects the Academy's decision.

The nominations were announced live, and the Oscars ceremony is scheduled to take place on March 15. Homebound was India's official submission, beating several other titles from India. The films that secured nominations in the Best International Feature Film category this year are The Secret Agent from Brazil, It Was Just an Accident from France, Sentimental Value from Norway, Sirat from Spain, and The Voice of Hind Rajab from Tunisia.