Every year, India sends one film as its official entry for the Academy Awards, popularly called the Oscars. The film competes in the Best International Feature Film category, earlier known as Best Foreign Language Film. Here is how India’s Oscar entry is chosen.
Who selects the film
India’s entry is chosen by the Film Federation of India (FFI), an umbrella body of producers, distributors and exhibitors. The FFI invites submissions from producers and sets up a jury of film professionals. The jury watches the shortlisted films and announces its choice, usually in September.
The Academy’s rules
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences sets rules for this category:
- Each country can submit only one film.
- The film must be a feature length film produced outside the United States.
- More than half of the dialogue must be in a language other than English.
- It must have been released in the submitting country within the eligibility period set by the Academy.
How the Oscar race works
After submissions, Academy members vote to create a shortlist, and then select five nominees. The winner is announced at the Oscar ceremony, usually held in February or March in Los Angeles. Studios often run campaigns with screenings for Academy members, which can be costly.
Also Read: National Film Awards: How Winners Are Selected, Who Gives Them and What Winners Receive | IFFI Goa Guide: What Is the International Film Festival of India, Indian Panorama and How to Register
India’s past nominees
Only three Indian films have been nominated in this category:
- Mother India (1957), directed by Mehboob Khan.
- Salaam Bombay! (1988), directed by Mira Nair.
- Lagaan (2001), directed by Ashutosh Gowariker.
None of them won the award.
Indian wins in other categories
Indians have won Oscars in other categories. Bhanu Athaiya won for costume design for Gandhi (1982). Satyajit Ray received an Honorary Award in 1992. A R Rahman and Resul Pookutty won for Slumdog Millionaire (2008). In 2023, Naatu Naatu from RRR won Best Original Song, and The Elephant Whisperers won Best Documentary Short Film.
Why the choice often sparks debate
Since RRR was not India’s official entry in 2022, many fans debated the FFI’s choice. Films can still compete in general categories through their own campaigns even if they are not the country’s entry.
Bottom line
India’s Oscar entry is chosen by an FFI jury for the Best International Feature category. Winning there remains a goal for Indian cinema, even as Indian talent has won in other categories.
Source / स्रोत: Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, Film Federation of India
