Oscars 2026: Neeraj Ghaywan's Homebound gets shortlisted for Best International Feature Film

Neeraj Ghaywan's film, 'Homebound,' starring Ishaan Khatter and Vishal Jethwa, is one step closer to the 98th Academy Awards. The film has been shortlisted for the Best International Feature Film Oscar in 2026.

Out of 86 films initially considered, 'Homebound' is now among the 15 movies vying for a nomination in the category. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) has confirmed the shortlist on its website.

The selection marks a significant achievement for the film, boosting India's presence on the international awards stage as it awaits the final Oscar nominations. Dharma Productions, the film's production company, expressed their gratitude for the global support 'Homebound' has received in an Instagram post.

According to AMPAS, the shortlist was determined after a preliminary round of voting. Academy members from all branches will be invited to participate in the next stage. To vote, they must view all 15 shortlisted films.

'Homebound' tells the story of childhood friends Shoaib and Chandan, portrayed by Ishaan Khatter and Vishal Jethwa, whose shared ambition of joining the police force shapes their lives. Janhvi Kapoor plays a crucial role, adding depth to the narrative's emotional landscape.

The film premiered at Cannes 2025 in the Un Certain Regard section and was later screened at the Toronto International Film Festival, where it earned the Second Runner-Up award for the International Audience Choice Award. Karan Johar, Adar Poonawalla, and Apoorva Mehta produced the film, with Marijke deSouza and Melita Toscan Du Plantier as co-producers. Martin Scorsese and Pravin Khairnar are listed as executive producers.