One step closer to glory! Homebound shortlisted for Oscars 2026, Karan Johar 'elated'

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced shortlists in 12 categories for the 98th Academy Awards, including Animated Short Film, Casting, Cinematography, Documentary Feature Film, Documentary Short Film, International Feature Film, Live Action Short Film, Makeup and Hairstyling, Music (Original Score), Music (Original Song), Sound and Visual Effects.

Reacting to the film’s inclusion on the prestigious shortlist, producer Karan Johar expressed his joy and gratitude to director Neeraj Ghaywan. In an Instagram post, Johar wrote, “I am not sure I can articulate how proud, elated and over the moon I am with the journey of #Homebound… all of us at @dharmamovies are privileged to have this proud and important film in our filmography.”

“From Cannes to being on the Oscar shortlist, this has been such an overwhelming journey. Love to the entire cast, crew and teams of this special film. Upwards and onwards,” he added.

Premiered at the Cannes Film Festival on May 21, 2025, Homebound is a tightly wound narrative that explores a dysfunctional family confined to a single location during a crisis. The film has been widely praised for its emotional depth, cinematic restraint and nuanced portrayal of trauma and buried tensions.

Homebound was released in Indian theatres in September this year and is currently streaming on Netflix.

Films shortlisted in Best International Feature Film

Argentina: Belén
Brazil: The Secret Agent
France: It Was Just an Accident
Germany: Sound of Falling
India: Homebound
Iraq: The President’s Cake
Japan: Kokuho
Jordan: All That’s Left of You
Norway: Sentimental Value
Palestine: Palestine 36
South Korea: No Other Choice
Spain: Sirât
Switzerland: Late Shift
Taiwan: Left-Handed Girl
Tunisia: The Voice of Hind Rajab