The 97th Academy Awards recently concluded, and once again, Indian films failed to make a mark in any major category. This has been a recurring pattern over the years, leading to the question: Why do Indian films struggle to win Oscars? What makes Hollywood films stand out, and what criteria do the Academy members use to select the Best Picture?
To understand this, let’s analyze the factors that influence Oscar nominations and wins, especially in the Best Picture category.
What Factors Decide the Best Picture Award?
The Best Picture Oscar is given to films that exhibit excellence in storytelling, direction, cinematography, acting, and technical brilliance. But beyond these, the Academy tends to favor films with:
- Strong Social or Political Relevance – Movies that reflect contemporary global issues often get recognized.
- Deep Emotional Impact – Films that connect deeply with the audience and evoke strong emotions.
- Artistic and Technical Excellence – Innovation in filmmaking techniques, screenplay structure, and performances.
- Universal Themes – Stories that resonate with a worldwide audience, often dealing with struggles, survival, or human rights.
Let’s explore how recent Best Picture winners fit into these criteria.
Analyzing Recent Best Picture Winners
2025: Anora
Sean Baker’s Anora won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture. The film tells the story of a Russian immigrant couple living in the U.S. The contrast between their different social classes and their adaptation to American life gives the film a unique narrative. With U.S.-Russia relations being a hot topic, the film’s relevance played a crucial role in its win.
2024: Oppenheimer
Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer focused on the life of physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer, the creator of the atomic bomb. Released during the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, the film carried historical weight while drawing parallels to current global tensions.
2023: Everything Everywhere All at Once
This film revolved around a Chinese-American immigrant family and explored complex themes of identity, generational trauma, and existentialism. It resonated globally due to its mix of action, emotion, and humor.
2022: CODA
This heartwarming drama about a girl growing up in a deaf family was praised for its inclusivity and emotional depth. It highlighted the struggles of the differently-abled, making it a strong Oscar contender.
2021: Nomadland
This film depicted the hardships of nomadic communities in America, showing how people struggle to survive in one of the world’s richest countries. The realistic storytelling won the hearts of critics and the Academy alike.
Why Indian Films Struggle at the Oscars
Despite having a rich film industry, Indian films rarely make it to the final Oscar nominations. Here are some reasons why:
1. Lack of Universal Themes
Most Indian films are heavily influenced by local culture, traditions, and song-dance sequences, which may not resonate with an international audience.
2. Less Focus on Contemporary Global Issues
Many Oscar-winning films have strong political or social messages relevant to global events. Indian films often lack this kind of international relevance.
3. Storytelling Style
Hollywood films tend to have tighter screenplays with a focus on realism. Many Indian films rely on melodrama, which doesn’t always appeal to Western audiences.
4. Inconsistent Film Selection
The Film Federation of India is responsible for selecting India’s official Oscar entry, but their choices are often criticized for lacking strategic selection based on Academy preferences.
India’s Recent Oscar Submissions and Their Performance
2025: Missing Ladies
Directed by Kiran Rao, this film was India’s official entry but didn’t progress beyond the first round.
2024: The Last Film Show
Although it reached the shortlist, it couldn’t secure a final nomination.
2023: Chhello Show
Despite being well-received, it didn’t make it to the final round.
2021: Jallikattu
A unique film based on Kerala’s bull-taming festival, but it was not widely recognized at the Oscars.
What Indian Films Can Do to Win an Oscar?
To increase the chances of winning, Indian filmmakers should:
- Focus on universal themes that resonate globally.
- Address contemporary global issues to make films more relevant.
- Ensure tighter storytelling and avoid unnecessary subplots.
- Adopt realistic filmmaking with strong character development.
- Choose Oscar entries wisely, based on past winners and Academy preferences.
Indian cinema has immense potential, but to shine at the Oscars, it must align with global storytelling styles while retaining its unique essence.
