Director Neeraj Ghaywan&rsquo;s Homebound, starring Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa and Janhvi Kapoor, has been shortlisted for the 98th Academy Awards in the Best International Feature Film category, marking a significant milestone for the film and its makers.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced shortlists across 12 categories on Tuesday. In the International Feature Film category, 15 films have advanced to the shortlist, which will be narrowed down to five final nominees. The final nominations are scheduled to be announced on January 22, 2026, while the awards ceremony will take place on March 15, with Conan O&rsquo;Brien returning as host.
Alongside Homebound, the shortlisted films include entries from Argentina, Brazil, France, Germany, Iraq, Japan, Jordan, Norway, Palestine, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, Taiwan and Tunisia, highlighting strong global competition in the category.
The achievement was shared by the film&rsquo;s production banner on social media, expressing gratitude for the support the film has received internationally. Filmmaker Karan Johar, who has backed the project, also reacted emotionally to the news, calling the journey of Homebound overwhelming and deeply fulfilling.
Reflecting on the film&rsquo;s path, Johar described his pride in having Homebound as part of his production house&rsquo;s filmography. He praised director Neeraj Ghaywan for bringing the project to life and thanked the entire cast and crew, noting the film&rsquo;s journey from premiering at Cannes to making it to the Oscars shortlist. He also highlighted that the film is currently streaming on Netflix.
Homebound tells the story of childhood friends Shoaib and Chandan, played by Ishaan Khatter and Vishal Jethwa, whose shared ambition of joining the police force shapes their lives. Janhvi Kapoor plays a key role that adds emotional depth to the narrative, which explores themes of friendship, duty and the pressures faced by young people in contemporary India.
The film premiered globally at the Cannes Film Festival and was later screened at the Toronto International Film Festival. Since its release on Netflix on November 21, it has continued to garner critical acclaim across festivals and award platforms.
Produced by Karan Johar, Adar Poonawalla, Apoorva Mehta and Somen Mishra, with co-producers Marijke deSouza and Melita Toscan Du Plantier, the film also lists Martin Scorsese and Pravin Khairnar as executive producers. Homebound is inspired by journalist Basharat Peer&rsquo;s article Taking Amrit Home, which chronicles friendship, loss and resilience against the backdrop of contemporary realities.

Homebound follows childhood friends Shoaib (Ishaan Khatter) and Chandan (Vishal Jethwa)

Neeraj Ghaywan’s Homebound advances in Best International Feature race

Homebound Enters Oscars 2026 Shortlist

Neeraj Ghaywan’s Homebound advances in Best International Feature race

December 17, 2025 | 14:53 IST