Homebound Out of Oscar 2026 Race for Best International Feature

Neeraj Ghaywan’s Homebound, India’s official submission for the Best International Feature Film category at the Oscars 2026, did not secure a spot among the final nominees announced by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on Thursday. The five films selected for the category include Brazil’s The Secret Agent, France’s It Was Just an Accident, Norway’s Sentimental Value, Spain’s Sirat, and Tunisia’s The Voice Of Hind Rajab.

The Oscar shortlist had initially included 15 films from across the globe, featuring entries from Argentina, Germany, Iraq, Japan, Jordan, Palestine, South Korea, Switzerland, and Taiwan. Homebound, which had been part of this shortlist, ultimately did not make the final cut, disappointing filmmakers and fans alike.

Released in India on September 26, 2025, Homebound stars Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhvi Kapoor. The film explores the complex emotional dynamics within a dysfunctional family confined to a single location during a lockdown-like crisis, addressing themes of trauma, redemption, and buried secrets that surface during intense confrontations.

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Backed by Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions, the film was promoted as a passion project rather than a commercial venture. Johar recently shared that preparing for an Oscar campaign involves substantial investment in publicists, international screenings, and media outreach, but he and co-producer Adar Poonawalla pursued the effort for artistic credibility rather than profit.

“Doing an Oscar campaign can cost a lot, and the results are uncertain,” Johar said. “We approached Homebound with passion over profit. The aim was to showcase the film globally, not to play a monetary game. This was about credibility and artistic vision.”

Despite missing out on an Oscar nomination, Homebound has been widely appreciated for its storytelling, performances, and direction, further cementing Neeraj Ghaywan’s reputation as a filmmaker capable of tackling nuanced, socially relevant themes with sensitivity and depth.

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