Oscars 2026: Homebound shortlisted in the Best International Feature Film category

Neeraj Ghaywan's powerful drama Homebound has been shortlisted for the Best International Feature Film category at the 98th Academy Awards in 2026. Selected as India's official entry earlier this year, the film is now among 15 contenders advancing to the next voting round, where Academy members will watch and decide on the final nominees. Produced by Karan Johar under Dharma Productions with Martin Scorsese as executive producer, Homebound stars Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhvi Kapoor in a moving story of friendship and struggle.

The film follows two childhood friends, Shoaib and Chandan, from a small North Indian village as they chase a police job hoping for dignity and better lives. The film's original story was inspired by The New York Times 2020 essay Taking Amrit Home by Kashmiri journalist Basharat Peer. It recounts the story of two young migrant workers in Surat, who were caught in the COVID-19 lockdown in March 2020. After premiering at Cannes and Toronto festivals with strong acclaim, including standing ovations, the movie hit theaters in September 2025 and is now streaming on Netflix.

Homebound is a story about two childhood friends from a small North Indian village chase a police job that promises them the dignity they've long been denied. However, as they inch closer to their dream, mounting desperation threatens the bond that holds them together. Producer Karan Johar shared his joy calling the journey from Cannes to the Oscars shortlist overwhelming and thanking director Ghaywan for bringing dreams to life. With tough competition from films like France's entry and others, Homebound keeps hopes high for an Oscar nod, which would mark a proud moment for Indian storytelling on the global stage.