The film Homebound has been chosen as India’s official entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the 98th Academy Awards (Oscars) in 2026. This means the movie will represent India in the competition for one of the most prestigious awards in world cinema.
Homebound is directed by Neeraj Ghaywan and stars Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhvi Kapoor. The film was first shown internationally at the Cannes Film Festival and also screened at the Toronto International Film Festival, where it received strong praise from audiences and critics.
The movie tells a moving story about two friends from a small village in northern India who dream of becoming police officers. They face many challenges as they wait for exam results, dealing with issues like caste, religion, and social pressure.
Along with Homebound, 14 other international films have been shortlisted in the same category for the Oscars. From this list of 15 films, the final nominations will be announced on January 22, 2026. The 98th Academy Awards ceremony is scheduled to take place on March 15, 2026 in Los Angeles.
The official Instagram page of the film’s production team shared the shortlist announcement, thanking fans around the world for their love and support.
This selection is considered a big achievement for Indian cinema, as Homebound now has a chance to compete with films from many countries for an Oscar nomination.