India's official entry for the Oscars, 'Homebound', is keeping India's hopes alive, as the film has advanced to the next round of voting in the International Feature Film category at the Academy Awards. The Academy announced that fifteen films from around the world have made it to the next round of voting in the International Feature Film category. Besides India's 'Homebound', the list includes films from Argentina, Brazil, France, Germany, Iraq, Japan, Jordan, Norway, Palestine, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, Taiwan, and Tunisia.

These Films Were Also Selected
In addition to 'Homebound', the selected films include 'Belén' (Argentina), 'The Secret Agent' (Brazil), 'It Was Just an Accident' (France), 'Sound of Falling' (Germany), 'The President's Cake' (Iraq), 'Kokuhō' (Japan), 'All That's Left of You' (Jordan), 'Sentimental Value' (Norway), 'Palestine 36' (Palestine), 'No Other Choice' (South Korea), 'Sirat' (Spain), 'Late Shift' (Switzerland), 'Left-Handed Girl' (Taiwan), and 'The Voice of Hind Rajab' (Tunisia). The Academy Awards shared this information on their official social media handle. The final nominations for the Academy Awards will be announced on Thursday, January 22.

Fifth Indian Film in 98-Year History
With its recent shortlisting for the Oscars, 'Homebound' has achieved a significant milestone. It has become the fifth Indian film in the 98-year history of the Academy Awards to be shortlisted for Best International Feature Film. The film, starring Ishaan Khatter and Vishal Jethwa, is among the 15 films selected for the final nominations in the International Feature Film category at the 2026 Oscars. Neeraj Ghaywan has directed the film.

Directed by Neeraj Ghaywan and produced by Karan Johar's Dharma Productions, 'Homebound' tells the story of childhood friends Shoaib (Ishaan Khatter) and Chandan (Vishal Jethwa), whose dream of joining the police force shapes their lives. Janhvi Kapoor plays a pivotal role in this story based on friendship, duty, and the pressures faced by young India.

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