India Tribune Newsdesk
Indian cinema has made a notable early impression in the Oscars 2026 season, with four Indian titles securing a place on the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ reminder list of productions eligible for Best Picture consideration. The list, released ahead of the official nominations announcement on January 22, places these films among 201 feature films worldwide that have cleared the additional benchmarks required for the Academy’s top prize.
Leading the Indian contingent are Kannada blockbuster Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1, directed by and starring Rishabh Shetty, and Hindi film Tanvi The Great, helmed by Anupam Kher. Joining them are the multilingual animated feature Mahavatar Narsimha and the Tamil film Tourist Family, directed by first-time filmmaker Abishan Jeevinth. Also included in the Best Picture eligibility list is Sister Midnight, a Hindi-language UK–India co-production starring Radhika Apte.
The Academy noted that while 317 feature films are eligible for the 98th Academy Awards across all categories, only 201 meet the more stringent Best Picture requirements. Inclusion on this reminder list does not guarantee a nomination, as films must still progress through multiple rounds of voting by Academy members.
To qualify for general category consideration, films must have screened in a commercial theatre in at least one of six major US metropolitan areas—Los Angeles County, New York City, the Bay Area, Chicago, Dallas–Fort Worth or Atlanta—between January 1 and December 31, 2025, and completed a minimum seven-day consecutive theatrical run. Best Picture hopefuls face further criteria, including the submission of a confidential Representation and Inclusion Standards Entry (RAISE) form, meeting at least two of the Academy’s four inclusion standards, and completing an expanded theatrical run in 10 of the top 50 US markets within 45 days of release.
Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1, produced by Hombale Films, serves as a prequel to the 2022 hit and delves into the origins of Daiva worship in Tulunadu, set against the backdrop of the fourth-century Kadamba dynasty. Shetty portrays Berme, a protector of forest lands and tribal communities. Tanvi The Great follows the journey of Tanvi Raina, a young woman on the autism spectrum who aspires to join the Indian Army, inspired by her late father’s service. The film features an ensemble cast including Jackie Shroff, Boman Irani and Karan Tacker.
Beyond Best Picture, Indian cinema has maintained a wider presence across categories. Neeraj Ghaywan’s Homebound, India’s official submission for International Feature Film, was shortlisted among the final 15 titles in December 2025. The 98th Academy Awards will be held on March 15, celebrating excellence across 24 categories, with 10 films ultimately vying for Best Picture.
