Ishaan Khatter-Vishal Jethwa's Homebound shortlisted for Oscars 2026: Karan Johar says, 'Not sure I can articulate how proud, elated I am'

Homebound continues to receive love and make India proud as the film has recently been shortlisted for the 98th Academy Awards in the Best International Feature Film category. Starring Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhvi Kapoor, Neeraj Ghaywan's film is now among 15 films that have been chosen for the final nominations in the International Feature Film category at the Oscars 2026. Reacting to it, Karan Johar (producer of Homebound) penned a heartwarming note as he expressed his gratitude.

Karan Johar reacts to Homebound being shortlisted for Oscars 2026

Taking to his Instagram account, Karan Johar, who backed Homebound, shared a heartwarming note where he expressed his gratitude, praised the whole team, and reflected on the journey of Ishaan Khatter and Vishal Jethwa's film. 

He wrote, "I am not sure I can articulate how proud, elated and over the moon I am with the journey of #HOMEBOUND… all of us @dharmamovies are privileged to have this proud and important film in our filmography … thank you @neeraj.ghaywan for making so many dreams of ours come true."

KJo further recalled the beautiful journey of Homebound, from gaining recognition at Cannes to being on the Oscar shortlist. "Love to the entire cast and crew and teams of this special special film!!!!!!!!! Upwards and onwards…….. #HOMEBOUND streaming now on @netflix_in," he shared. 

Homebound shortlisted for Oscars 2026

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced shortlists across 12 categories. In the International Feature Film category, 15 films have advanced to the final nominations, which will be narrowed down to five in the final nominations. 

Along with Homebound, other films which have been shortlisted for the Oscars 2026, are Argentina’s Belén, Brazil’s The Secret Agent, France’s It Was Just an Accident, Germany’s Sound of Falling, Iraq’s The President’s Cake, Japan’s Kokuho, Jordan’s All That’s Left of You, Norway’s Sentimental Value, Palestine’s Palestine 36, South Korea’s No Other Choice, Spain’s Sirât, Switzerland’s Late Shift, Taiwan’s Left-Handed Girl, and Tunisia’s The Voice of Hind Rajab.

Meanwhile, the final nominations will be announced on January 22. 2026. The awards will be held on March 15, 2026, and comedian Conan O’Brien will host the prestigious ceremony. 

Also Read: Homebound on OTT: Here's how much Neeraj Ghaywan's hard-hitting drama starring Ishaan Khatter and Vishal Jethwa earned at the box office

About Homebound

Homebound, which is streaming on Netflix, is a poignant Indian drama by Neeraj Ghaywan about two Dalit-Muslim childhood friends, Chandan (Vishal Jethwa) and Shoaib (Ishaan Khatter), from a North Indian village.  

Together, they dream of becoming police officers but face social obstacles, culminating in a tragic journey during the COVID-19 lockdown, inspired by a true story. Also starring Janhvi Kapoor, the film explores themes of caste, religion, poverty, and broken dreams. 

Homebound FAQs:

Q: Is Homebound based on a true story?

A: Based on a true story, Neeraj Ghaywan's Homebound follows the story of two childhood friends from a small village in Northern India who try to pass the national police exam in search of long-deprived dignity.

Q: Is Homebound selected for the Oscars 2026?

A: Yes, Karan Johar's Homebound has been shortlisted for the 98th Academy Awards (Oscars 2026) in the Best International Feature Film category. The final nominations will be announced on January 22. 2026, while the ceremony will take place on March 15, 2026.

Q: Where to watch Homebound online?

A: Homebound is currently streaming on Netflix.