Homebound, India’s official entry for the Oscars, has cleared another hurdle: the film remains on the Academy’s International Feature shortlist for the 2026 Oscars. It now moves forward to the next voting round alongside 14 other international titles, keeping the film in contention for a final nomination.
What the shortlist means
Being on the Academy’s shortlist is a major milestone. From a large pool of submissions from around the world, the shortlist identifies films that will be considered by Academy members for the final slate of nominees. For filmmakers and the industry, this stage raises the profile of a film internationally and often leads to renewed interest from festivals, critics, and audiences.
Why it matters for Indian cinema
- Global visibility: A place on the shortlist puts the film in front of Academy voters, global press, and cinephiles beyond India.
- Boost for talent: Directors, writers, and cast members can gain international recognition and new opportunities.
- Industry momentum: Shortlist status often sparks more screenings, festival invitations, and streaming deals.
About Homebound
Homebound has been the talk of awards-watchers since India selected it as the country’s contender. While details about its awards trajectory will unfold over the coming weeks, the film’s inclusion on the shortlist confirms that it has struck a chord with international voters and remains a serious player as the Academy heads toward the final nomination stage.
What comes next
The Academy will move from this 15-film shortlist to a smaller group of official nominees. That final nomination list will determine which titles compete for the International Feature prize at the Oscars ceremony. For now, filmmakers and fans alike are watching closely as voting continues.
How fans can follow along
- Keep an eye on official Academy announcements for the nominees list.
- Expect renewed media coverage and festival screenings for the shortlisted titles.
- Support the film at local screenings or on streaming platforms if it becomes available.
For Indian cinema, every step forward on the Oscars trail is a moment of pride. Homebound has kept that momentum alive, and Bollywood — along with cinephiles across the country — will be watching closely as the race moves toward the final nominations.