The countdown to the 97th Academy Awards has begun, with the ceremony scheduled for March 2, 2025, at the iconic Dolby Theatre in Ovation Hollywood. This year, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has unveiled a list of 323 feature films eligible for the Oscars, of which 207 films have met the eligibility criteria for the highly coveted Best Picture category. Among these, five Indian films have made a significant mark, stirring excitement and anticipation across the country.
Indian Films in the Oscars 2025 Contenders' List
- Kanguva (Tamil) – Directed by Siva and starring Suriya, Kanguva is an epic action drama set in ancient times. Blending folklore with intense storytelling, it stands as a strong contender for Best Picture.
- Aadujeevitham (The Goat Life) (Hindi) – Based on Benyamin’s novel, this film by Blessy narrates the poignant tale of a migrant worker's life in the deserts of Saudi Arabia. Its strong storyline and visuals have drawn international acclaim.
- Santosh (Hindi) – A heartfelt drama exploring hope and identity, directed by Raghav Bhardwaj. Its realistic portrayal of life's struggles makes it an Oscar-worthy film.
- Swatantrya Veer Savarkar (Hindi) – A biographical film directed by Mahesh Manjrekar, it explores the life of freedom fighter Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, bringing historical drama to life.
- All We Imagine as Light (Malayalam-Hindi) – Directed by Sumitra Bhave and Sunil Sukhtankar, this introspective film explores emotional complexities and relationships.
- Girls Will Be Girls (Hindi-English) – Directed by Shuchi Talati and produced by Guneet Monga, this coming-of-age story has garnered international acclaim for its unique narrative style.
Aside from feature films, the short film Anuja, produced by two-time Oscar winner Guneet Monga, has been shortlisted in the Live Action Short Film category. This marks another significant milestone for Monga, who continues to bring Indian stories to a global platform.
Additionally, Kiran Rao’s ‘Laapata Ladies’, India’s official entry for the Best International Feature Film category, did not make it to the shortlist despite its recognition and artistic merit.
Key Dates to Watch
- Voting for nominations: January 8 – January 12, 2025
- Nomination announcements: January 17, 2025
- Oscars 2025 ceremony: March 2, 2025
Shortlists for 10 Major Categories
The Academy has revealed shortlists for 10 key categories ahead of the final nominations. These categories include:
- Animated Short Film
- Documentary Feature
- Documentary Short
- International Feature Film
- Live Action Short Film
- Makeup and Hairstyling
- Original Score
- Original Song
- Sound
- Visual Effects
India’s Growing Influence at the Oscars
India’s cinematic presence at the Oscars has steadily grown, with recent wins such as RRR and The Elephant Whisperers in 2023. The diverse range of films—spanning Tamil, Hindi, Malayalam, and English—reflects the richness of Indian cinema. Whether it’s the grandeur of Kanguva or the emotional depth of Aadujeevitham, Indian cinema is making waves on a global scale.
The Oscars 2025 holds the promise of further strengthening India’s position in global filmmaking. Regardless of whether these films win, their presence itself is a testament to the growing global appreciation for Indian stories and talent.
As we approach the nomination announcement on January 17, 2025, excitement continues to build. Whether or not India secures a win, the journey of these films to such a prestigious platform is a moment of immense pride for Indian cinema. Stay tuned as the world eagerly awaits the final nominations and the grand Oscars 2025 ceremony!
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About the Author:
Akanksha Sinha
I'm Akanksha Sinha, an expert in writing sports blogs, news, and various articles for entertainment and more. I bring a unique flair to my work, providing insightful perspectives on the world of sports.
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