NOT THIS TIME!! Priyanka Chopra, Guneet Monga and Mindy Kaling-backed ‘Anuja’ Loses Out on Oscar

Priyanka Chopra, Guneet Monga and Mindy Kaling-backed short film ‘Anuja’ which is set in New Delhi lost out on the Best Live Action Short Film award at the 97th Academy Awards on Monday, with the Oscar going to the Dutch-language sci-fi film I'm Not a Robot, directed by Victoria Warmerdam.

‘Anuja’ was one of only two films with Indian ties nominated at this year’s Oscars, the other being ‘I Am Ready, Warden’, directed by Indian filmmaker Smriti Mundhra, which competed in the Best Documentary Short Film category. However, it also lost, with ‘No Other Land’ taking the award.

Directed by Adam J. Graves and Suchitra Mattai, ‘Anuja tells the poignant coming-of-age story of a gifted nine-year-old who faces a life-changing decision between education and factory work alongside her sister. Starring Sajda Pathan and Ananya Shanbhag, the film highlights themes of resilience, opportunity, and exploitation.

Produced in collaboration with the Salaam Baalak Trust (SBT), Anuja boasts a stellar lineup of backers, including two-time Academy Award-winning producer Guneet Monga, executive producer Priyanka Chopra Jonas, and Hollywood writer-actor Mindy Kaling. The film entered the Oscar race after receiving critical acclaim at festivals such as the HollyShorts Film Festival, New York Shorts International Film Festival, and Montclair Film Festival. It is currently streaming on Netflix.

The 97th Academy Awards, hosted by Conan O'Brien, were broadcast live in India on JioHotstar and Star Movies and Star Movies Select from the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. Streaming began at 5:30 AM IST and a repeat telecast will be available at 8:30 PM on Star Movies and Star Movies Select.

Host Conan O'Brien also surprised Indian audience by greeting them in Hindi and conveying a special message to them in his opening monologue.