Oscars 2026: Will India’s ‘Homebound’ Secure a Nomination? When and Where to Watch

The wait for the 98th Academy Awards nominations is finally over. Today, January 22, the film world holds its breath to see which cinematic achievements will make the final cut. For Indian cinema fans, all eyes are on Neeraj Ghaywan’s ‘Homebound’, which has already secured a spot on the shortlist for Best International Feature Film.

The live reveal promises to be a high-stakes event, setting the stage for Hollywood’s biggest night in March.

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Who is Presenting the Nominations?

The Academy has enlisted a powerhouse duo to unveil the nominees this year. Danielle Brooks, the Oscar-nominated star of The Color Purple, will be joined by Lewis Pullman, known for his roles in Top Gun: Maverick and Marvel’s Thunderbolts.

The pair will announce the contenders across all 24 categories live from the Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Los Angeles.

When to Watch (IST and Global Times)

The announcement is traditionally split into two segments to keep the momentum high. Here is the schedule for viewers in India:

• Round 1: Begins at approximately 7:00 PM IST (8:30 AM ET / 5:30 AM PT). This section typically covers categories like Supporting Actor/Actress, Screenplays, and several technical awards.
• Round 2: Begins at approximately 7:11 PM IST (8:41 AM ET / 5:41 AM PT). This is where the “Big Five” and headline-grabbing categories—including Best Picture, Directing, and International Feature Film—are revealed.

Where to Watch Live

The Academy has made the stream easily accessible across multiple free digital platforms:

• Official Websites: Oscar.com and Oscar.org.
• Social Media: The Academy’s official YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook channels.
• Streaming Services: For international viewers or those with access, the event streams on Hulu, Disney+, and ABC News Live, and will be featured on Good Morning America.

India’s Big Hope: ‘Homebound’

Directed by Neeraj Ghaywan (Masaan) and produced by Karan Johar, Homebound features a stellar young cast including Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhvi Kapoor. The film, which explores the gritty social realities of modern India, has been a festival darling.

While the competition in the International Feature category is fierce, making the final list of five would be a historic milestone for the team.

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