Oscars: Priyanka Chopra, Guneet Monga react as their film ‘Anuja’ gets nominated

Anuja earns a spot in the Best Live Action Short Film category at the 97th Academy Awards, with Priyanka Chopra and Guneet Monga celebrating the honor.

Los Angeles [US], January 23: Actor Priyanka Chopra has expressed immense pride as her film Anuja earned a nomination in the Best Live Action Short Film category at the 97th Academy Awards.

Directed by Adam J. Graves, Anuja tells a heartfelt story of love, resilience, and family. The nomination adds another feather to Indian cinema’s cap, with Anuja poised to leave a lasting impact on audiences worldwide.

Reacting to the achievement, Priyanka shared her excitement in a press note:

“Anuja being nominated for an Oscar in the Best Live Action Short Film category is such an incredible moment. This film is a beautiful reminder of the power of storytelling—how it can shine a light on love, family, and resilience in the most authentic way. I’m so proud of Adam J. Graves for his vision and deeply moved by the brilliant performances of Sajda Pathan and Ananya Shanbhag, who have poured their hearts into bringing these characters to life. It’s an honor for me to be part of this journey alongside our amazing partners—Suchitra Mattai Studio, Mindy Kaling, Guneet Monga Kapoor, and Shine Global.”

Producer Guneet Monga’s Statement

Producer Guneet Monga, a previous Oscar winner, also shared her joy and gratitude:

“Incredibly honored for this nomination at the 97th Oscars. It is a privilege to share the story of Anuja, representing the work of Salaam Baalak Trust India—the voice of countless youth who bravely face formidable circumstances every day. Director Adam J. Graves and Producer Suchitra Mattai have poured all of their hearts into this. This nomination is a testament to how we can cross borders, collaborate, and bring honest stories to life.”

Netflix Joins the Celebration

The film is set to release on Netflix, and Monika Shergill, VP of Content at Netflix India, expressed her excitement:

“It is an honor to bring a beautiful, homegrown film like Anuja to audiences around the world. We hope this powerful story of resilience and redemption resonates with hearts everywhere and brings India another Oscar after The Elephant Whisperers.”

A Milestone for Indian Cinema

With Anuja making its mark on the global stage, it highlights the collaborative efforts of filmmakers like Adam J. Graves, Guneet Monga, Priyanka Chopra, and Mindy Kaling. This nomination continues the momentum of Indian stories reaching new heights on international platforms.

Fans eagerly await the Oscar ceremony, where Anuja could potentially add to India’s legacy at the Academy Awards.