Shaunak Sen after his All That Breathes loses to Navalny at Oscars: We were low for about an hour

While India rejoiced at the 95th Academy Award stage after bagging two Oscars for Naatu Naatu and The Elephant Whisperers, another Indian nomination in the Documentary Feature Film category All That Breathes lost to Navalny. Directed by Shaunak Sen, All That Breathes captures the journey of two brothers who run a hospital for injured kites. 

From author Amitav Ghosh to comedian Vir Das and filmmaker Bauddhayan Mukherji – many celebrities and netizens voiced their disappointment on social media. Vir Das tweeted, “Heartbroken for #AllThatBreathes I thought it was the best documentary hands down. A beautiful beautiful film.” Bauddhayan wrote, “I wish Shaunak Sen had more money and lobby power! All That Breathes not winning feels like a personal loss.”

Meanwhile, Shaunak took to his social media to post a series of photos. In a long post, he wrote, “So many chin-uppy messages of encouragement/support since yesterday. We were low for about an hour, but we're soon distracted into equanimity amidst the whirl of glittery people and things. Brain is still to wrap around the fact that this is the end of this chapter. Next, we'll be working hard to figure India distribution (HBO has ended its deal in India with Hotstar it appears, and we're figuring out which platform it'll come out on now). For now, very very nice to share this bizarre, swollen day with the brothers, and so many members of our crew. Hugest congratulations to all the winning films from India!”

He promised to post some more photos soon.

Meanwhile, RRR’s indomitable Naatu Naatu bagged the Best Original Song award while Kartiki Gonsalves’ The Elephant Whisperers got the award in the Documentary Short Film category at the Oscars.