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Oscars: Indian feature films have ever been nominated in the International Feature category

Only three Indian films have been nominated for the Oscars in the International Feature category: Mother India (1957), Salaam Bombay! (1988), and Lagaan (2001), each bringing global recognition to Indian cinema.

Vaishnavi Gavankar | March 09, 2026 / 18:56 IST
1/9
Directed by Mehboob Khan, Mother India tells the story of Radha, a poor village woman who struggles to raise her children while battling debt, poverty, and social pressures. Nargis delivered one of the most powerful performances in Indian cinema.
Directed by Mehboob Khan, Mother India tells the story of Radha, a poor village woman who struggles to raise her children while battling debt, poverty, and social pressures. Nargis delivered one of the most powerful performances in Indian cinema.
2/9
The film became the first Indian movie to receive an Academy Award nomination in the Best Foreign Language Film category in 1958. It represented India on the global stage and brought international attention to Indian storytelling.
The film became the first Indian movie to receive an Academy Award nomination in the Best Foreign Language Film category in 1958. It represented India on the global stage and brought international attention to Indian storytelling.
3/9
Considered a landmark in Indian cinema, Mother India reflects the resilience and moral strength of rural India. Its themes of sacrifice, motherhood, and justice resonated deeply with audiences and helped shape the identity of post-independence Indian filmmaking.
Considered a landmark in Indian cinema, Mother India reflects the resilience and moral strength of rural India. Its themes of sacrifice, motherhood, and justice resonated deeply with audiences and helped shape the identity of post-independence Indian filmmaking.
4/9
Directed by Mira Nair, Salaam Bombay! follows Krishna, a young boy abandoned by his family who tries to survive on the harsh streets of Mumbai. The film portrays the struggles of street children with striking realism and emotional depth.
Directed by Mira Nair, Salaam Bombay! follows Krishna, a young boy abandoned by his family who tries to survive on the harsh streets of Mumbai. The film portrays the struggles of street children with striking realism and emotional depth.Directed by Mira Nair, Salaam Bombay! follows Krishna, a young boy abandoned by his family who tries to survive on the harsh streets of Mumbai. The film portrays the struggles of street children with striking realism and emotional depth.
5/9
The film received an Academy Award nomination in 1989 for Best Foreign Language Film, becoming the second Indian film to achieve the recognition. It also won the Camera d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival.
The film received an Academy Award nomination in 1989 for Best Foreign Language Film, becoming the second Indian film to achieve the recognition. It also won the Camera d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival.
6/9
Known for its realistic storytelling, the film used several non-professional actors, many of whom were actual street children. Its raw portrayal of urban poverty and exploitation brought global attention to the lives of marginalized children.
Known for its realistic storytelling, the film used several non-professional actors, many of whom were actual street children. Its raw portrayal of urban poverty and exploitation brought global attention to the lives of marginalized children.
7/9
Directed by Ashutosh Gowariker and starring Aamir Khan, Lagaan is set in colonial India where villagers suffering under oppressive taxation challenge British officers to a cricket match that will decide their fate.
Directed by Ashutosh Gowariker and starring Aamir Khan, Lagaan is set in colonial India where villagers suffering under oppressive taxation challenge British officers to a cricket match that will decide their fate.
8/9
The film was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in 2002, becoming the third Indian film to receive the honour. Its universal story of courage and resistance earned appreciation from audiences worldwide.
The film was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in 2002, becoming the third Indian film to receive the honour. Its universal story of courage and resistance earned appreciation from audiences worldwide.
9/9
Blending sports drama, music, and historical storytelling, Lagaan became a global success. Its memorable songs, powerful performances, and inspiring narrative helped introduce Indian mainstream cinema to a broader international audience.
Blending sports drama, music, and historical storytelling, Lagaan became a global success. Its memorable songs, powerful performances, and inspiring narrative helped introduce Indian mainstream cinema to a broader international audience.

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