Oscars 2026: Ishaan Khatter, Janhvi Kapoor and Vishal Jethwa’s Homebound Shortlisted for Best International Feature Film; Karan Johar, Neeraj Ghaywan React

Indian cinema has a proud moment on the global stage as Homebound, starring Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa and Janhvi Kapoor, has been officially shortlisted for Best International Feature Film at the 98th Academy Awards. The announcement places the film among the world’s most acclaimed international titles, with final nominations set to be revealed on January 22, 2026.

Filmmaker Karan Johar took to social media to celebrate the achievement, calling it an emotional and overwhelming journey for the entire team. Praising director Neeraj Ghaywan, Johar highlighted the film’s remarkable run from prestigious international festivals to the Oscars shortlist.

“Thank you, Neeraj Ghaywan, for making so many dreams of ours come true… from Cannes to being on the Oscar shortlist, this has been such an overwhelming journey! Love to the entire cast and crew and teams of this special, special film!!!!!!!!! Upwards and onwards…….. Homebound streaming now on Netflix,” Johar wrote.

Director Neeraj Ghaywan also expressed his gratitude, acknowledging the global love the film has received.
“Homebound has been shortlisted for Best International Feature Film at the 98th Academy Awards! We’re deeply grateful for the extraordinary love and support we’ve received from around the world,” he shared.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced shortlists across 12 categories on Tuesday, 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.

In the Best International Feature Film category, Homebound will face stiff competition from acclaimed titles across the globe, 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.

The final nominees across all categories will be announced on January 22, 2026, while the 98th Academy Awards ceremony is scheduled to take place on March 15, 2026, with Conan O’Brien returning as the host.

With Homebound continuing its impressive international journey, all eyes are now on whether the film can convert its shortlist success into a historic Oscar nomination for Indian cinema.