Neeraj Ghaywan’s Homebound Misses Final Cut, India Out Of Oscar 2026 Race

Neeraj Ghaywan's Homebound, which was selected as India's official submission for the Oscars, has failed to make it to the final list of nominees for the 2026 Academy Awards.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced the shortlisted films on Thursday, with Homebound missing out in the International Feature Film category.

The development brings an end to India's hopes in the category this year, even as several international titles progressed to the final round of Oscar nominations.

Oscar 2026 International Feature Film Nominees List

The official nominees feature a diverse mix of films from across the globe. Countries represented include Argentina with Belen, Brazil's The Secret Agent, France's It Was Just an Accident, and Germany's Sound of Falling. The list also includes The President's Cake from Iraq, Kokuho from Japan, All That's Left of You from Jordan, and Sentimental Value from Norway.

Other films that made the cut are Palestine 36 from Palestine, No Other Choice from South Korea, Spain's Sirat, Switzerland's Late Shift, Taiwan's Left-Handed Girl, and Tunisia's The Voice of Hind Rajab.

About Neeraj Ghaywan's Homebound

Directed by Neeraj Ghaywan, Homebound hit Indian theatres on September 26, 2025. The film features Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa and Janhvi Kapoor in lead roles.

Set largely within a single confined space, the story examines strained relationships within a dysfunctional family during a lockdown-like crisis. Through emotionally charged confrontations, the film explores themes of trauma, redemption and long-buried secrets, slowly peeling back layers of personal conflict and unresolved pain.

Karan Johar on the Cost of an Oscar Campaign

Produced under Karan Johar's Dharma Productions, Homebound was backed with a full-fledged Oscar campaign. Speaking to PeepingMoon and Telly MEK, Johar opened up about the financial realities of chasing Oscar recognition and the risks involved.

"We were doing Homebound. I told him that doing an Oscar campaign will cost money, and sometimes it is a bottomless pit. Because you don't know what the result will be, and whether you will even make it to the shortlist of 15 and then 5. It is an uphill task," Karan Johar said.

He further explained the extensive effort required behind the scenes. "You have to employ publicists and travel and make noise and do media abroad and screenings abroad. But Adar said, 'Karan, this is a great opportunity and a great film, let's do everything in our capacity. Let's not think of profit and loss on this one. Let's think of passion over any monetary benefit.'"

Johar also underlined that Homebound was never seen as a commercial venture. "It is not a money-making exercise for us. It is about credibility. We will do other films for survival, but Homebound was always a passion project. There is no monetary game in that film."

Despite its Oscar journey coming to an early end, Homebound continues to be viewed as a significant artistic effort, reinforcing Neeraj Ghaywan's standing as a filmmaker focused on emotionally grounded storytelling.