December 18, 2024: India’s Oscar dreams for 2025 are still alive, though with a shift in focus. While Kiran Rao’s Laapataa Ladies didn’t make it to the next round in the Best International Feature Film category, Guneet Monga Kapoor’s live-action short film Anuja has been shortlisted for the prestigious Best Live-Action Short Film category. This is a big moment for Indian cinema, as Anuja shines a spotlight on the critical issue of child labor in the garment industry and features actor Nagesh Bhonsle in a key role.
This is a particularly exciting development for Monga, who has already tasted Oscar success in the past. Anuja marks her third nomination after her previous triumphs: The Elephant Whisperers (which won the Best Documentary Short Film Oscar) and Period: End of Sentence (which won the Best Documentary Short Subject Oscar). Monga’s consistent track record is a significant achievement, and Anuja offers a powerful narrative that resonates globally, giving India another shot at Oscar glory.
In addition to Anuja, there is another Indian connection in the Oscar race this year. Sandhya Suri’s Santosh, a British-Indian film featuring Shahana Goswami, is the United Kingdom’s official entry for the Oscars. It premiered earlier this year at the Cannes Film Festival in the Un Certain Regard section and is another strong contender in the live-action short category.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences also announced the 30 films that are in the running for Best Live Action Short Film and Best Animated Short Film categories, including other notable shorts like Clodagh, The Compatriot, Crust, Dovecote, Edge of Space, and The Ice Cream Man.
For India, Anuja brings renewed hope, especially after the disappointment of Laapataa Ladies. With a strong theme addressing a pressing global issue and Monga’s proven track record, Anuja has the potential to make waves in Hollywood, and fans are eager to see if this film can carry on India’s recent Oscar-winning streak.
