The 97th Academy Awards are shaping to be a landmark year for Indian Cinema, with Kanuguva and Aadujeevitham leading the charge among seven Indian films vying for the coveted Best Picture nomination. The Oscar 2025 nomination will be announced on January 17, 2025, and the much-anticipated ceremony will occur on March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. Indian audiences can tune in to the live telecast in the early hours of March 3, aligning with the time difference.
Indian films in the spotlight
Among the 323 eligible entries for Best Picture, seven Indian films have been shortlisted showcasing the diverse narratives and cinematic excellence of the country.
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Kanguva (Tamil): This epic fantasy drama, Starring Suriya, Bobby Deo, and Disha Patani, overcame a mixed box-office reception to make its mark internationally.
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Aadujeevitham (Malayam): directed by Blessy and starring Prithviraj Sukumaran this survival drama is based on Benyamin’s bestselling novel and explores the resilience of a stranded Gulf migrant.
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Putul (Bengali): Directed by Indira Dhar, this milestone film is the first Bengali-language feature to reach this stage at the Oscars.
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Santosh (Hindi): A crime drama about a widow turned police constable, directed by Sandhya Suri and a hit at Cannes.
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Swatantrya Veer Savarkar (Hindi): A biographical drama on Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, helmed by Randeep Hooda, sparkling both praise and controversy.
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All We Imagine as Light (Malayalam- Hindi): A critically acclaimed drama by Payal Kapadia that won big at Cannes.
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Girls Will Be Girls (Hindi- English): Suchi Talati’s coming-of-age drama is about a teenager and her mother in the Himalayan Foothills.
Other notable entries
- India’s official submission for Best International Features film, Laapataa Ladies by Kiran Rao, did not make the shortlists.
- Guneet Monga’s executive-produced short film Anuja is a contender for Best Live Action Short.
Key dates to remember
- Nomination voting: January 8-12, 2025
- Nomination Announcement: January 17, 2025
- Oscar Ceremony: March 2, 2025 (early hours of March 3 in India)
Where can Indian audiences watch the Oscars 2025?
Indian audiences ear to catch the glitz and glamour of the 97th Academy Awards can watch the live broadcast of the ceremony on March 3, 2025 (early morning IST). Here’s how and where to tune it:
TV Broadcast
The Oscars 2025 will be telecast live on the Star Movies and Star World channels, as has been the tradition in India for several years. The pre-show coverage typically starts at 5:30 AM IST, followed by the main event at 6:30 AM IST.
Streaming Platforms
The Oscar will also be available for live streaming on the Disney+ Hotstar platform in India. Subscribers can enjoy the entire event, including the red carpet pre-show, award presentations, and special performances.
Post-Broadcast highlights
For those unable to wake up early, highlights of the Oscar ceremony, including the most memorable moments, winner’s speeches, and red carpet looks, will be available on YouTube and Social media platforms shortly after the live event. Disney+ Hotstar may also feature a reply option.
Red Carpet coverage
For fans of fashion and celebrity arrivals, E! Entertainment will provide the delicate red carpet coverage starting at 4:00 AM IS, offering a sneak peek at the stars and their stunning outfits.
This year’s Oscar presents a rare opportunity for Indian cinema to shine on a global stage, with a mix of established talents and fresh voices making waves. Tune in to catch all the action and celebrate Indian storytelling at its finest.
Mark your calendar and set your alarms to experience the magic of the Oscars 2025 live, celebrating the best in global cinema, including India’s proud contenders!