Vishal Jethwa Expresses Disappointment Over Homebound’s Oscar Snub

India’s official entry for the 98th Academy Awards, Homebound, has not received a nomination, disappointing both its cast and crew. The film was widely regarded as a potential frontrunner, generating significant buzz and acclaim prior to the announcement of the nominees on March 7, 2024.

Vishal Jethwa’s Heartfelt Reaction

Actor Vishal Jethwa took to social media to share his feelings following the news. In a heartfelt message, he expressed that the absence of Homebound from the final nomination list “broke the hope we carried with us.” Despite his disappointment, Jethwa emphasized his pride in the film’s journey.

In his post, he stated, “Yes, we couldn’t make it to the Oscars nominations, and of course, it broke the hope we carried with us. But I believe failure is not when you fail; it’s when you don’t try. The only thing the whole Homebound team did from the very first day was to just TRY.” He added that reaching the top 15 was a significant achievement, noting, “I am proud of the fact that we could make it to the top 15 and am fully satisfied with what we were able to do.”

Jethwa also expressed gratitude to the film’s director, Neeraj Ghaywan, producer Karan Johar, and fellow cast members, particularly Ishaan Khatter and Janhvi Kapoor. He concluded his message with a motivational quote, underscoring the spirit of perseverance.

Homebound’s Journey to the Oscars

Earlier in the awards season, Homebound was shortlisted in the International Feature Film category, competing against strong entries from countries including Argentina, Brazil, France, and Japan. This recognition marked a notable milestone, as it became the fifth Indian film to achieve a shortlist position in the Academy Awards’ 98-year history.

Despite missing out on a nomination, the film’s producers shared their admiration for the project and the collaborative effort that brought it to life. Following the announcement, both Karan Johar and Neeraj Ghaywan took to social media to reflect on their shared journey, celebrating the film’s accomplishments.

The film stars Vishal Jethwa and Ishaan Khatter in lead roles, with Janhvi Kapoor making a cameo appearance. While the Oscar snub is a setback, the team remains proud of their work and the impact Homebound has had on audiences and critics alike.