‘Homebound’ makes Oscars 2026 shortlist, moves closer to Best International Feature Film nomination

Highlights

• Neeraj Ghaywan’s Homebound enters the Oscars 2026 shortlist for Best International Feature Film
  
• The film ranks among 15 titles selected from 86 countries and regions
  
• Karan Johar, Vishal Jethwa and Ishaan Khatter react to the milestone
  

Director Neeraj Ghaywan’s critically acclaimed drama Homebound advances in the Oscars race after being shortlisted for the Best International Feature Film category at the 98th Academy Awards. The Ishaan Khatter– and Vishal Jethwa–led film now stands among 15 international titles still in contention for a final nomination.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announces the shortlist on its official website, noting that the films advance following preliminary voting by Academy members. From this list, five films will ultimately secure nominations and compete for the Oscar.

Dharma Productions, which backs the film, shares the update on social media, thanking audiences worldwide for their support as Homebound continues its international awards journey.

‘Homebound’ team reacts to Oscars shortlist

Producer Karan Johar calls the moment deeply personal, describing the film’s journey as overwhelming and meaningful. In a social media post, he says the recognition places Homebound among the most important films in Dharma Productions’ catalogue, crediting Neeraj Ghaywan for bringing the project to life. Johar also reflects on the film’s path from Cannes to the Oscars shortlist as a rare and rewarding experience.

Vishal Jethwa, who plays Chandan Kumar, shares an emotional response, calling the development surreal and humbling. He thanks Johar for backing the story and the cast, and praises Ghaywan’s sensitivity and clarity as a director. Jethwa also acknowledges co-star Ishaan Khatter, saying their collaboration helped elevate every scene. He adds that the recognition belongs to the entire team behind the film.

Ishaan Khatter acknowledges the milestone

Ishaan Khatter marks the announcement quietly, resharing the news on Instagram Stories with heart emojis, signaling pride in the film’s progress on the global stage.

Films competing for Best International Feature Film

Homebound competes against titles from across the world, including Argentina’s Belen, Brazil’s The Secret Agent, France’s It Was Just an Accident, Germany’s Sound of Falling, Iraq’s The President’s Cake, Japan’s Kokuho, Jordan’s All That’s Left of You, Norway’s Sentimental Value, Palestine’s Palestine 36, South Korea’s No Other Choice, Spain’s Sirat, Switzerland’s Late Shift, Taiwan’s Left-Handed Girl, and Tunisia’s The Voice of Hind Rajab.

About ‘Homebound’

Homebound follows childhood friends Shoaib (Ishaan Khatter) and Chandan (Vishal Jethwa), who grow up sharing the ambition of joining the police force. Also starring Janhvi Kapoor, the film explores friendship, aspiration and the social pressures confronting young people in contemporary India.

Oscars 2026 timeline

Final nominations for the 98th Academy Awards are set to be announced on January 22, 2026. The Oscars ceremony takes place on March 15, 2026, with Conan O’Brien returning as host.