New Delhi: India’s official entry to the 98th Academy Awards is Neeraj Ghaywan’s Hindi drama Homebound, which has garnered significant global acclaim ahead of its Oscar nomination. The film, starring Ishaan Khatter and Janhvi Kapoor, had its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival 2025 in the Un Certain Regard section. It presents a poignant story of two friends from a North Indian village who aspire to join the police force but face strains in their friendship amid intense social challenges. The film’s sensitive storytelling and performances have been praised across major international film festivals, securing it a strong position on the global cinematic stage.
Oscar entries through the years
2025 (97th): Homebound
2024 (96th): Everyone is a Hero
2023 (95th): Chhello Show
2022 (94th): Koozhangal
2021 (93rd): Jallikattu
2020 (92nd): Gully Boy
2019 (91st): Village Rockstars
2018 (90th): Newton
2017 (89th): Visaranai
2016 (88th): Court
2015 (87th): Liar’s Dice
2014 (86th): The Good Road
2013 (85th): Barfi!
2012 (84th): Abu, Son of Adam
2011 (83rd): Peepli Live
2010 (82nd): Harishchandra’s Factory
2009 (81st): Taare Zameen Par
2008 (80th): Eklavya: The Royal Guard
2007 (79th): Rang De Basanti
2006 (78th): Paheli
2005 (77th): Shwaas
2004 (76th): The Breath
2003 (75th): Devdas
2002 (74th): Lagaan
2001 (73rd): Hey Ram
2000 (72nd): Earth
1999 (71st): Jeans
1998 (70th): Guru
1997 (69th): Indian
1996 (68th): Kuruthipunal
1995 (67th): Muhafiz
1994 (66th): Rudaali
1993 (65th): Thevar Magan
1992 (64th): Henna
1991 (63rd): Anjali
1990 (62nd): Parinda
1989 (61st): Salaam Bombay!
1988 (60th): Nayagan
1987 (59th): Swathi Muthyam
1986 (58th): Saagar
1985 (57th): Saaransh
1980 (53rd): Payal Ki Jhankaar
1978 (51st): The Chess Players
1977 (50th): Manthan
1974 (47th): Garam Hawa
1973 (46th): Saudagar
1971 (44th): Reshma Aur Shera
1969 (42nd): Deiva Magan
1967 (40th): The Last Letter
1966 (39th): Amrapali
1965 (38th): The Guide
1963 (36th): Metropolis
1962 (35th): Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam
1959 (32nd): The World of Apu
1958 (31st): Madhumati
1957 (30th): Mother India
With such diverse and strong representation, India’s presence at the Oscars continues to expand, reflecting the country’s richly varied cinematic voices on the international platform. The final nominations will be announced in early 2025.