Oscars 2025 is here, and that means it’s time to honor some of the best cinematic works presented across the world in 2024. India’s official entry to the Oscars for the Best International Feature Film category in Oscars 2025 was Laapataa Ladies. Although it didn’t make the final list of nominees, this Kiran Rao directorial continues to be an incredible film. India has produced many such films across the years, earning both Academy Award nominations and wins. While we all remember celebrating when Slumdog Millionaire won or RRR won at the Oscars, Indian cinema’s journey with the Academy Awards goes long back.
It all started with ‘Mother India’ being nominated in the Best Foreign Language Film category in 1958. Don’t remember that? Don’t worry, we’ll refresh your memory. As we approach the 97th Academy Awards on March 2, 2025, let’s take a look at a list of Indian Oscar winners and nominees throughout the years.
Pioneering Oscar Nominees from India
- 1958: Mother India (1957) became India’s first film nominated for Best Foreign Language Film, narrowly missing the award to Italy’s Nights of Cabiria.
- 1989: Salaam Bombay! (1988) received a nomination in the Best Foreign Language Film category.
- 2002: Lagaan (2001) was nominated for Best Foreign Language Film, marking a significant milestone for Indian cinema.
Historic Academy Award Wins
- 1983: Bhanu Athaiya won Best Costume Design for Gandhi (1982), becoming the first Indian Academy Award winner.
- 1992: Satyajit Ray was honored with an Honorary Academy Award for his profound impact on cinema.
- 2009: Slumdog Millionaire (2008) garnered Indian Academy Award winners:
- A.R. Rahman: Best Original Score and Best Original Song (“Jai Ho”).
- Gulzar: Best Original Song (“Jai Ho”).
- Resul Pookutty: Best Sound Mixing.
- 2023: At the 95th Academy Awards:
- “Naatu Naatu” from RRR (2022) won Best Original Song, with composer M.M. Keeravani and lyricist Chandrabose receiving the accolade.
- The Elephant Whisperers (2022) secured Best Documentary Short Film.
Recent Nominations and Wins
- 2024: To Kill a Tiger, directed by Nisha Pahuja, was nominated for Best Documentary Feature Film.
Technical Achievements
- 2016: Rahul Thakkar received the Academy Award for Technical Achievement for his groundbreaking design of the DreamWorks Animation Media Review System.
- 2018: Vikas Sathaye was honored for his role in developing the Shotover K1 Camera System, showcasing India’s innovation in film technology.
Anticipation for the 2025 Oscars
As we look forward to the 97th Academy Awards on March 2, 2025, India’s official entry for the Best International Feature Film category is Laapataa Ladies, directed by Kiran Rao. The film, a satire on patriarchy, was selected from a list of 29 films, including notable titles like Animal, Kalki 2898 AD, and All We Imagine as Light. The selection of Laapataa Ladies underscores India’s commitment to bringing diverse narratives to the global stage.
A Legacy of Excellence
As of 2025, a total of 22 Indians have been nominated for the Oscars, with 11 winning in various categories, including scientific and technical awards. India’s journey at the Oscars reflects a rich tapestry of creativity, resilience, and a commitment to storytelling that transcends borders. With each nomination and win, Indian cinema continues to carve a niche on the global stage, inspiring future generations of artists and filmmakers.
