Homebound was a film that failed to make it to the Oscar nominations

India’s official entry for the Oscars, Homebound, has failed to secure a place in the final nominations. The film was submitted for the Best International Feature Film category at the 98th Academy Awards, scheduled for 2026.

Directed by Neeraj Ghaywan, the film made it to the Top 15 shortlist in December 2025, raising strong expectations. However, it missed out on the final Top 5 nominations, resulting in its exit from the Oscar race.

Starring Ishaan Khatter, Janhvi Kapoor, and Vishal Jethwa, Homebound narrates the story of two friends from North India, exploring themes of caste, religion, and life during the COVID-19 lockdown. The film received widespread critical acclaim for its sensitive storytelling.

This year’s competition proved to be exceptionally strong, with films from countries like France, Germany, and Denmark advancing further. Despite missing the nomination, director Neeraj Ghaywan stated that he would continue making films rooted in real people’s stories.

The Top 5 nominees in the International Feature Film category include The Secret Agent (Brazil), It Was an Accident (France), Sentimental Value (Norway), Sirat (Spain), and The Voice of Hind Rajab (Tunisia).