Ishaan Khatter, Janhvi Kapoor, Vishal Jethwa's Homebound Takes a Historic Leap: 2026 Oscars Shortlist | Bollywood
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Neeraj Ghaywan's Homebound, starring Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhvi Kapoor, has made history by securing a spot on the 98th Academy Awards shortlist for Best International Feature Film. The news has left Karan Johar, the film's producer, overwhelmed with emotions. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced shortlists across 12 categories, with 15 films advancing in the Best International Feature Film category. Homebound is in the running alongside other notable films from around the world, including Argentina's Belén, Brazil's The Secret Agent, and France's It Was Just an Accident. The final nominations will be determined in the coming weeks, with the announcement set for January 22, 2026. Conan O'Brien will return as host for the 98th Academy Awards, scheduled for March 15 next year. Karan Johar expressed his pride and gratitude on social media, thanking director Neeraj Ghaywan for bringing the film to life. 'I am not sure I can articulate how proud, elated and over the moon I am with the journey of #HOMEBOUND...,' Karan wrote on Instagram. Homebound, now streaming on Netflix, tells the story of childhood friends Shoaib and Chandan, who share a dream of joining the police force. The film has received major accolades at various film festivals and award shows, including its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival. Inspired by journalist Basharat Peer's article 'Taking Amrit Home,' Homebound is a poignant exploration of friendship, duty, and the pressures facing young India.
