The nominations for the 98th Oscars were announced on Thursday, where Homebound failed to secure a spot in the International Feature Film category. Despite the snub, filmmaker Neeraj Ghaywan and producer Karan Johar expressed mutual admiration for each other over the journey of Homebound. Vishal Jethwa also reacted, sharing that the exit from the final list of nominations did not disappoint him.
Karan Johar praises Neeraj Ghaywan
Taking to his Instagram handle, the film’s producer Karan Johar penned a heartfelt note for director Neeraj Ghaywan and wrote, “Proud!!!! Love you neeraj.ghaywan for allowing us to bask in your light!”
In a swift response, the filmmaker also expressed deep gratitude and added, “Thank you, karanjohar! You have been an absolute rock. Couldn’t have come this far without you. Love you!”
Homebound, which had been considered a strong contender amid early buzz and critical acclaim, was absent from the final list of nominees announced on Thursday. It was earlier shortlisted under the International Feature Film category at the upcoming Oscars alongside entries from Argentina, Brazil, France, Germany, Iraq, Japan, Jordan, Norway, Palestine, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, Taiwan, and Tunisia.
Meanwhile, nominated for the coveted trophy under the International Feature Film category are The Secret Agent, It Was Just an Accident, Sentimental Value, Sirat, and The Voice of Hind Rajab.
Vishal Jethwa on Homebound’s Oscars 2026 snub
Vishal told Hindustan Times, “While we didn’t make the final nominations, being shortlisted among the final 15 films is an honour in itself. Seeing Homebound travel this far and represent India globally has been incredibly special. I will forever be grateful to have been part of this film.”
“Even though we say that we should not expect anything, but ab jab itna aage aa gaye the to thoda expectations to thi. No matter how many people saw the film, they liked it and called it a strong story, and that in itself feels like an achievement,” the actor added.
The film follows childhood friends Shoaib (Ishaan Khatter) and Chandan (Vishal Jethwa), whose shared dream of joining the police force shapes their lives. Directed by Neeraj Ghaywan, the film is produced by Karan Johar, Adar Poonawalla, and Apoorva Mehta, and co-produced by Marijke deSouza and Melita Toscan Du Plantier, with Martin Scorsese and Pravin Khairnar serving as executive producers.
