Ishaan Khatter, Janhvi Kapoor, Vishal Jethwa's 'Homebound' Makes Oscars 2026 Shortlist; Karan Johar Reacts

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has revealed its shortlists across 12 categories, including the contenders for Best International Feature Film at the upcoming Oscars. Among the 15 films advancing in this category is 'Homebound,' setting the stage for the final nominations, which will narrow the field down to five.

Alongside 'Homebound,' the shortlist includes films from around the globe, such as Argentina's 'Belén,' Brazil's 'The Secret Agent,' France's 'It Was Just an Accident,' Germany's 'Sound of Falling,' Iraq's 'The President's Cake,' Japan's 'Kokuho,' Jordan's 'All That’s Left of You,' Norway's 'Sentimental Value,' Palestine's 'Palestine 36,' South Korea's 'No Other Choice,' Spain's 'Sirât,' Switzerland's 'Late Shift,' Taiwan's 'Left-Handed Girl,' and Tunisia's 'The Voice of Hind Rajab.'

The final nominations from these shortlists are scheduled to be announced on January 22, 2026. The 98th Academy Awards ceremony, hosted by comedian Conan O'Brien, will take place on March 15 of the same year.

Karan Johar's Reaction

The announcement of 'Homebound's' advancement in the Oscars race was celebrated on Dharma Movies' official social media. The post featured the film's poster and expressed gratitude for the global support received.

Karan Johar, the filmmaker behind 'Homebound,' shared his excitement on Instagram, reflecting on the film's journey and acknowledging the team's efforts. "I am not sure I can articulate how proud, elated and over the moon I am with the journey of #HOMEBOUND… all of us @dharmamovies are privileged to have this proud and important film in our filmography,” Johar wrote.

He further added, "Thank you @neeraj.ghaywan for making so many dreams of ours come true… from Cannes to being on the Oscar shortlist this has been such an overwhelming journey! Love to the entire cast and crew and teams of this special special film!!!!!!!!! Upwards and onwards…….. #HOMEBOUND streaming now on @netflix_in."

About 'Homebound'

'Homebound' premiered on Netflix on November 21 and tells the story of Shoaib (Ishaan Khatter) and Chandan (Vishal Jethwa), childhood friends united by their ambition to join the police force. Janhvi Kapoor's character adds depth to the narrative, exploring themes of friendship, duty, and the challenges faced by young people in India.

The film has garnered recognition at various film festivals and award shows. Karan Johar, Adar Poonawalla, Apoorva Mehta, and Somen Mishra produced 'Homebound.' Marijke deSouza and Melita Toscan Du Plantier served as co-producers, with Martin Scorsese and Pravin Khairnar as executive producers. The film was inspired by Basharat Peer's article, "Taking Amrit Home," also known as "A Friendship, a Pandemic and a Death Beside the Highway."

Prior to its Netflix release, 'Homebound' had its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival and was screened at the Toronto International Film Festival.