Paro’s big moment: on the Oscars Eligibility List for the 98th Academy Awards
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) has added Paro – The Untold Story of Bride Slavery to its official Oscars Eligibility List for the 98th Academy Awards. This is an important step for any film hoping to be noticed by Academy voters and a proud moment for the film’s team and audiences who follow socially conscious cinema.
What being on the eligibility list actually means
- Eligible for consideration: Inclusion on the list means the film meets AMPAS’ basic eligibility rules and can be considered for nomination in relevant categories.
- Visibility: It increases the film’s visibility among Academy members, critics, and the international film community.
- Next stages: From here, eligible films may be longlisted, shortlisted, or eventually nominated depending on voting rounds and category rules.
Why this matters for a film like Paro
Paro – The Untold Story of Bride Slavery tackles a difficult social issue, and such subjects often find a receptive audience among awards voters who reward strong storytelling with social impact. For a film that shines a light on an underreported problem, the Oscars eligibility nod brings a chance to spark wider conversation and reach viewers beyond festival circuits and local releases.
Boost for awareness and distribution
Being on the Academy’s list can open doors for broader distribution and festival bookings. It often helps grab media attention and can encourage platforms and regional distributors to pick up the film for wider release. For socially-driven films, that wider reach can translate into real-world awareness and dialogue.
What comes next in the Oscars calendar
- Screenings and campaigning: Filmmakers may organize screenings for Academy members and step up publicity to ensure the film is seen by voters.
- Shortlists and nominations: Depending on the category, AMPAS will publish shortlists before final nominations are announced. Eligible films compete for placement on those lists.
- The final nominations: If the film clears each stage, it could land an official nomination — a major milestone that brings global attention.
What this means for Indian cinema
Indian films that highlight strong stories and social themes have long found appreciation on the world stage. While mainstream Bollywood often dominates headlines, films like Paro remind audiences and awards bodies that Indian cinema is diverse and socially engaged. Inclusion on the Oscars Eligibility List signals that such stories are being noticed internationally.
Fans and critics will be watching
With the eligibility list out, industry watchers, critics, and film lovers will be watching the film’s journey closely. Whether it moves from eligibility to shortlist or nomination, the recognition alone can amplify the conversation around the issue it addresses.
A hopeful step forward
For now, the announcement by AMPAS is a cause for celebration. It’s a hopeful step for Paro – The Untold Story of Bride Slavery and for filmmakers who are using cinema to expose, educate, and provoke change. The road to Oscars glory is long, but the eligibility nod puts the film on a path that many socially relevant films have followed toward international recognition.