The 98th Oscars delivered mixed emotions for Indian cinema fans as Neeraj Ghewan’s ‘Homebound’ earned a prestigious shortlist spot in the Best International Feature category but stopped short of nominations. Victory smiled upon Norway’s ‘Sentimental Value,’ directed by Joachim Trier, clinching the award and etching history.
Cheers erupted online as the Academy tweeted, ‘Norway has made its mark on the world stage. Kudos to Sentimental Value for the Best International Feature Film Oscar this year.’ This win highlights the film’s journey from Cannes praise to Hollywood’s highest honor.
India found silver linings: Priyanka Chopra Jonas graced the stage with Javier Bardem to present the award, a proud showcase of Indian talent amid the ceremony’s splendor.
‘Homebound,’ the only Indian feature at Cannes 2025, dazzled in Un Certain Regard with a 9-minute ovation. Set against North India’s rural backdrop, it follows Chandan and Shoaib’s quest for police jobs amid poverty, caste barriers, unbreakable friendship, and pandemic-induced homecomings—a narrative rich in social commentary.
Contrast this with ‘Sentimental Value,’ Trier’s masterful family saga released in August 2025. Earning nine nominations like Best Picture, it stars Renate Reinsve in a tour-de-force role, unraveling the tensions between an aging director and his daughters. Previously lauded at Cannes, the film masterfully blends sentiment and stark realism.
As ‘Homebound’ builds buzz for future accolades, Norway celebrates a milestone. The Oscars reaffirm cinema’s role in spotlighting diverse voices, from Indian villages to Norwegian hearths.