India at the Oscars 2025: One nomination, one controversy and a legacy of highs and lows

The Oscars – the pinnacle of cinematic glory, where dreams are either realized or shattered in an instant. For India, the journey at the Academy Awards has always been a mix of triumphs, heartbreaks, and lingering ‘what-ifs.’ In 2025, that saga continues with just a single nomination, a heated controversy, and an industry grappling with both hope and disappointment.

Amid expectations of multiple Indian contenders making waves at Hollywood’s biggest night, only one film has emerged in the race: Anuja. A short film with an immense emotional core, Anuja carries the weight of countless untold stories.

Directed by philosopher-turned-filmmaker Adam J. Graves, the 22-minute film is a stark reflection of reality. It follows the journey of a gifted nine-year-old girl and her 17-year-old sister, Palak, as they navigate the harsh world of a Delhi garment factory. When Anuja gets an unexpected opportunity—an admission to an elite boarding school—it presents a heartbreaking dilemma. In a world where survival is a daily battle, can dreams ever be guilt-free?

What makes Anuja even more powerful is the lead actress, Sajda Pathan, who has lived her character’s reality. Once a struggling child on the streets, Sajda was rescued by the Salaam Baalak Trust, the very NGO that supported the film’s production. The film has already proven its mettle, winning at the HollyShorts Film Festival and bagging the Audience Award at Montclair. But will the Academy recognize a film that exposes the brutal truths of capitalism and class disparity?

For those eager to experience this poignant masterpiece, Anuja is available for streaming on Netflix.

While Anuja basks in its moment, another Indian film, All We Imagine as Light, remains in the shadows despite its groundbreaking achievements. Directed by Payal Kapadia, the film created history by winning the Grand Prix at Cannes—an accolade no Indian film has claimed in decades.

All We Imagine as Light tells the story of two Mumbai nurses navigating life, friendship, and patriarchy. By all measures, it was the perfect contender for India’s official Oscar submission for Best International Feature. Yet, it wasn’t even selected. The snub has reignited a long-standing debate: Why does India struggle to pick the right films for Oscar submissions? Why do our most artistically ambitious films get overlooked in favor of safer, mainstream choices?

If Cannes could recognize the brilliance of All We Imagine as Light, why couldn’t our own selection committee?

India’s relationship with the Oscars has been a rollercoaster of triumphs and disappointments.

Lagaan (2001) made history with a Best Foreign Language Film nomination.

A.R. Rahman, Resul Pookutty, and Gulzar brought home Oscars for Slumdog Millionaire (2008).

The Elephant Whisperers (2023) and RRR’s “Naatu Naatu” (2023) put Indian cinema in the global spotlight.

The Lunchbox was snubbed despite its international acclaim.

Tumbbad, a visual masterpiece, never got a chance.

Court, a deeply layered legal drama, failed to make the cut.

Now, All We Imagine as Light follows the same unfortunate path.

Indian viewers can catch the Oscars live on Monday, March 3, 2025, at 5:30 AM IST. The ceremony will be broadcast on Star Movies and Star Movies Select and will also be available for live streaming on JioCinema.

If Anuja wins, it will be more than just an Oscar moment—it will be a statement. A statement that Indian stories matter. That the world is finally paying attention to the kind of cinema we create. But even if it doesn’t, the conversation has begun.

The debates surrounding India’s Oscar selections, the international recognition of Payal Kapadia’s work, and the future of Indian films on the world stage are battles worth fighting. Whether we take home the trophy or not, one thing is certain: Indian cinema is no longer just knocking on Hollywood’s door—it’s demanding a seat at the table.