“Proud”: Karan Johar Lauds Homebound Director Neeraj Ghaywan After Oscars Nomination Miss
Mumbai: Bollywood filmmaker Karan Johar has expressed heartfelt admiration and support for director Neeraj Ghaywan after their acclaimed film Homebound narrowly missed out on a nomination at the 98th Academy Awards (Oscars) 2026. Though the movie — India’s official submission for the Best International Feature Film category — failed to secure a final nod, Johar’s public tribute highlighted a spirit of pride and solidarity within the Indian film fraternity.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced the nominations for Oscars 2026 on January 22, 2026, and Homebound did not make it into the final list of five films for the Best International Feature Film award. While the film had earlier been shortlisted among the top 15 films worldwide, the final decision left many Indian cinema lovers disappointed. Despite the snub, Homebound received widespread acclaim for its narrative depth, performances and international festival presence.
Karan Johar, who co-produced Homebound under the banner of Dharma Productions, took to Instagram Stories shortly after the nominations were revealed to express his reaction. Sharing stills from the film, Johar wrote: “Proud!!! Love you @neeraj.ghaywan for allowing us to bask in your light!” — a message that underscored his unwavering admiration for Ghaywan’s creative vision and resilience throughout the film’s journey.
Neeraj Ghaywan, known for his earlier directorial success with Masaan, responded gratefully to Johar’s shout-out by resharing the producer’s story on his own social media. In a warm message, Ghaywan wrote: “Thank you, @karanjohar! You have been an absolute rock. Couldn’t have come this far without you. Love you!” — acknowledging not just the professional support but the emotional encouragement Johar provided during the film’s long awards-season campaign.
Homebound, which stars Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa and Janhvi Kapoor, was widely anticipated as a strong international contender thanks to its nuanced storytelling and festival circuit buzz. The film had its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival 2025, where it received a standing ovation, and went on to represent India as its official entry for the Oscars’ international feature category. However, despite critical praise and audience support, the competition this year proved exceptionally tough, with powerhouse films from Brazil, France, Spain, Norway and Tunisia securing final nominations.
In his social media post, Johar also described how proud he was of Homebound — calling it “among the finest and most important films India has ever made.” His words reflected not just his esteem for Ghaywan’s direction but also the significance of the film’s themes and its relevance to contemporary conversations about society, identity and human resilience.
The emotional support between Johar and Ghaywan has struck a chord with fans and industry watchers alike, highlighting the collaborative spirit that often underpins Bollywood’s creative community. Many have noted that even without an Oscar nomination, the journey of Homebound — from international festival stages to global streaming audiences — remains a testament to the film’s artistic impact.
For Ghaywan, the director’s gratitude towards Johar reinforces a strong producer-director bond that has played out publicly throughout the film’s awards campaign. Their exchange on social media not only offered closure to a competitive season but also underscored the value of mutual respect and encouragement in the face of high-stakes outcomes.
Industry peers have also weighed in with supportive messages. Veteran filmmaker Imtiaz Ali noted that while Homebound may have missed its Oscars moment, its journey was remarkable and could pave the way for future recognition on global platforms. Others praised the film’s honest portrayal of friendship, societal pressures and emotional complexities that resonated with audiences beyond India’s borders.
Ultimately, while the Oscars nomination list did not include Homebound, the response from Karan Johar and Neeraj Ghaywan has reinforced a broader narrative about the strength and resilience of Indian cinema. In an era where diverse voices and local stories are increasingly finding international appreciation, the film’s journey — and the supportive discourse around its creators — highlights how artistic achievement can transcend awards and continue to inspire audiences worldwide.
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