Neeraj Ghaywan’s Homebound—India’s official submission for the Best International Feature Film category—did not make it to the final five nominees when the Academy announced the 98th Oscars nominations on January 22, 2026.
The film had earlier made the Academy’s 15-title shortlist in the category, keeping India’s hopes alive deep into awards season.
The five films nominated in International Feature
The final nominations list includes: Brazil – The Secret Agent, France – It Was Just an Accident, Norway – Sentimental Value, Spain – Sirât and Tunisia – The Voice of Hind Rajab.
Karan Johar’s response: “Proud!!!”
Producer Karan Johar addressed the outcome via Instagram Stories, celebrating the collaboration and praising Ghaywan’s craft: “Proud!!! Love you @neeraj.ghaywan for allowing us to bask in your light!”
Neeraj Ghaywan’s reply: “You have been an absolute rock”
Ghaywan responded by resharing Johar’s post and thanking him for backing the film through its awards campaign: “Thank you @karanjohar! You have been an absolute rock. Couldn’t have come this far without you. Love you.”
About Homebound: story, cast, and global journey
Homebound follows childhood friends Shoaib (Ishaan Khatter) and Chandan (Vishal Jethwa), whose shared dream of joining the police shapes their lives, with Janhvi Kapoor playing a key role.
The film premiered in Un Certain Regard at Cannes and built international momentum through its festival run before entering the Oscars conversation.
What’s next for the Oscars season
The 98th Academy Awards will be held on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Closing note
Missing the final nominations may end Homebound’s Oscars campaign, but the film’s shortlist run has already expanded its global visibility—and reinforced Neeraj Ghaywan’s place among India’s most internationally watched filmmakers.
—By Manoj H