Homebound makers Karan Johar and Neeraj Ghaywan share emotional notes after their film exits Oscars 2026

Homebound makers Karan Johar and Neeraj Ghaywan share emotional notes after their film exits Oscars 2026

• Homebound missed out on an Oscar nomination but was shortlisted in the top 15.
• Karan Johar and Neeraj Ghaywan shared emotional messages of pride and gratitude.
• Homebound received a nine-minute standing ovation at Cannes 2025.

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Producer Karan Johar and filmmaker Neeraj Ghaywan shared emotional messages of gratitude and pride after Homebound missed out on a nomination at the 98th Academy Awards, despite a strong international run and critical acclaim.

Soon after the final Oscar nominations were announced, Karan Johar took to Instagram Stories to express his admiration for Ghaywan and the journey of the film. Sharing his message publicly, Johar wrote, “Proud!!!! Love you @neeraj.ghaywan for allowing us to bask in your light!” The note reflected both pride and affection, underscoring the creative bond between producer and director.

Neeraj Ghaywan responded by reposting Johar’s story and adding a heartfelt caption of his own. “Thank you @karanjohar. You have been an absolute rock. Couldn’t have come this far without you. Love you!” he wrote, acknowledging Johar’s backing through the film’s long and demanding international journey.

Also Read: Oscars: Did you know Lagaan, Salaam Bombay and Mother India are the only Indian films ever nominated for an Oscar, while Homebound missed the 2026 list?

Homebound tells an emotional story rooted in friendship, duty, and the quiet pressures faced by young Indians navigating oppression, class divides, and economic realities. Known for its sensitive storytelling and social depth, the film continued Ghaywan’s reputation for intimate, human-centered cinema that resonates beyond borders.

At the Oscars 2026, Homebound had reason to celebrate even without a final nomination. The film was shortlisted among the top 15 titles in the International Feature Film category, selected from a pool of 89 official entries submitted by countries across the world. While it did not make it to the final five, the shortlist itself marked a significant global recognition for the project.

Earlier, the film had earned a powerful reception at the Cannes Film Festival 2025, where it received a nine-minute standing ovation. The moment left the cast and crew visibly emotional and firmly established Homebound as one of the most talked-about Indian films at the festival. It was screened under the prestigious Un Certain Regard section, further cementing its international stature.

The final nominees in the International Feature Film category included The Secret Agent, It Was Just An Accident, Sentimental Value, Sirat, and The Voice Of Hind Rajab.

Meanwhile, the broader Oscar narrative was dominated by Sinners, which led the 2026 nominations with a record-breaking sixteen nods, followed closely by One Battle After Another with thirteen nominations, setting the tone for a competitive awards season.