The Oscars 2026 nominations will be announced on January 22. India’s hopes rest on ‘Homebound’. Here’s when and where to watch the nominations live in India.
Oscars 2026 Nominations to Be Announced on January 22
The first major milestone of the Oscars 2026 season is set to unfold today as the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) officially announces the nominations. The live announcement will take place from Los Angeles on January 22 and is expected to begin around 7:00 pm IST.
The nominations are closely watched across the global film industry, as they determine which films, performances and creative teams advance to the final stage of the world’s most prestigious film awards.
‘Homebound’ Emerges as India’s Strongest Contender
From India, the film drawing the most attention this year is Homebound. The film has already advanced through the initial voting round in the Best International Feature Film category, a development seen as a significant achievement for Indian cinema.
Industry sources indicate that Homebound has resonated with Academy voters due to its socially rooted narrative and its ability to connect with global audiences. In recent years, India’s presence in this category has been limited but impactful, raising expectations that Homebound could push further this time.
Other Indian Films in the Race
Apart from Homebound, several Indian films have found a place in the Oscars 2026 reminder lists and preliminary consideration rounds. These include Rishab Shetty’s Kantara: Chapter 1, Anupam Kher-starrer Tanvi: The Great, animated project Mahavatar Narasimha, and Tourist Family.
While these films are competing across different categories and stages, their inclusion itself reflects the growing visibility of Indian storytelling on the international awards circuit.
Where and How to Watch Oscars 2026 Nominations in India
Indian viewers can watch the Oscars 2026 nominations live on the Academy’s official websites, oscar.com and oscar.org. The live stream will also be available on the Academy Awards’ official YouTube, Instagram, Facebook and TikTok channels.
The multi-platform digital broadcast caters especially to audiences who prefer online viewing over traditional television coverage.
International Broadcast and Hosts
For international audiences, the nominations will be announced live on Good Morning America in the United States. Additional streaming options include ABC News Live, Hulu and Disney+.
This year’s nominations announcement will be hosted by actress Danielle Brooks and actor Lewis Pullman, who will reveal the shortlisted films and artists across categories.
Oscar Awards Ceremony Scheduled for March 15, 2026
Following the nominations, attention will shift to the main Oscars ceremony, scheduled to be held on March 15, 2026. Once nominations are announced, studios and filmmakers typically intensify their awards campaigns through screenings, promotions and Academy outreach, factors that often influence final outcomes.
Global Context and Growing Indian Presence
In recent years, the Academy has shown a growing openness toward films rooted in regional cultures and non-English narratives, reflecting a broader shift in global viewing habits. Indian cinema, with its expanding footprint at international festivals and streaming platforms, has increasingly entered these conversations. Against this backdrop, the progress of Homebound is being seen not just as a single film’s achievement, but as part of a wider momentum for Indian storytellers seeking sustained recognition at the Oscars.
Film trade analyst Atul Mohan says, “Reaching the Oscars nomination round is never easy for any Indian film. Homebound making it this far shows that its storytelling and presentation have struck a chord with the international jury.”
The Oscars 2026 nominations will not only shape the awards season but will also signal which Indian stories are gaining traction on the global stage. If Homebound secures a final nomination, it would mark a significant milestone for Indian cinema’s evolving presence at the Academy Awards.
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