98th Oscars: India’s Official Entry Homebound Moves Ahead To The Next Academy Awards Voting Round

India’s Oscars 2026 hopes gained a boost as Homebound moved to the shortlist for International Feature Film. The 98th Academy Awards nominations will be announced on January 22, and the latest update confirms the Indian entry remains in contention among 15 selected global titles.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences revealed the progress update on its official X account. The post confirmed that Homebound is part of the International Feature Film shortlist and stated, "Fifteen films advanced to the next round of voting in the International Feature Film category. Here's where they land on the map," read the caption.

Oscars 2026 Homebound shortlist and global contenders

The International Feature Film shortlist features movies from 15 territories, including Argentina, Brazil, France, Germany and India. Countries such as Japan, South Korea, Spain and Switzerland are also represented. Reaching this phase means each film will now undergo another round of voting by Academy members.

Country	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

For India, Homebound staying in the Oscars 2026 race signals a stronger possibility of an International Feature Film nomination. The shortlist narrows the field before the final ballot, where Academy branches and members decide which five titles reach nomination status.

Oscars 2026 Homebound cast, story and production

Homebound is directed by Neeraj Ghaywan and features Ishaan Khatter and Vishal Jethwa in leading roles, with Janhvi Kapoor in a key supporting part. The story tracks childhood friends Shoaib and Chandan, whose shared dream of joining the police force shapes their futures under social pressure.

The film explores friendship, duty and expectations facing young India, with Janhvi Kapoor’s character adding emotional depth. Homebound is produced by Karan Johar, Adar Poonawalla and Apoorva Mehta, with Marijke deSouza and Melita Toscan Du Plantier as co-producers, and Martin Scorsese and Pravin Khairnar credited as Executive Producers.

The 98th Academy Awards ceremony is scheduled at the Dolby Theatre on the evening of March 15, with Conan O'Brien hosting. For viewers in India, the Oscars 2026 telecast will run on March 16 from 4:30 AM to 7:30 AM IST, following the January 22 nominations reveal.