Neeraj Ghaywan’s acclaimed drama ‘Homebound’ has failed to secure a final nomination at the 98th Academy Awards.
Despite being India’s official entry and making the initial shortlist of 15 films, it did not make the final cut of five nominees announced on January 22, 2026.
The film, which stars Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhvi Kapoor, explores deep-seated social biases through a narrative set during the 2021 COVID-19 pandemic.
The snub has sparked widespread debate among Indian cinephiles, many of whom believed the film’s universal themes of friendship and resilience would resonate with the Academy.
While it received significant support from global figures like Martin Scorsese, it ultimately lost out to international contenders like Brazil’s The Secret Agent and France’s It Was Just an Accident.
Despite the loss, the film’s journey remains a proud moment for Indian cinema, having earned a historic nine-minute standing ovation during its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival.