Kiran Rao’s comedy-drama Laapataa Ladies has been eliminated from this year’s Oscar contention.
The Academy of Motion Pictures, Arts and Sciences revealed a shortlist of 15 films from across the globe, narrowing down the competition for the International Feature Film category at the 97th Academy Awards. Unfortunately, Laapataa Ladies failed to secure a spot on the shortlist.
Laapataa Ladies was officially selected by the Film Federation of India (FFI) as India’s entry, sparking some debate within the film community. Critics and cinema enthusiasts had instead rallied behind Payal Kapadia’s All We Imagine As Light, a film that had been generating significant Oscar buzz on its own and was considered a strong contender for nomination.
Despite the setback for Laapataa Ladies, the British-Indian filmmaker Sandhya Suri’s Santosh successfully made the cut, starring Shahana Goswami and Sunita Rajwar. It represented the UK in the Best International Feature category.
In addition to the international feature films, the Academy also shortlisted projects in various other categories, including the Live-Action Short category, which saw Anuja, an India-set project, make an impact. Produced by a team including Mindy Kaling and Guneet Monga Kapoor, Anuja explores the poignant narrative of child labor through the lives of two sisters, drawing international acclaim and attention to its powerful storytelling and performances.
Adam J. Graves, the director of Anuja, shared his enthusiasm about the film’s reception, emphasizing the emotional connection and impactful performances delivered by lead actors Sajda Pathan and Ananya Shanbhag. Their portrayals not only captivated audiences but also highlighted the pressing social issue of child labor, resonating deeply with viewers around the world.
The team behind Laapataa Ladies expressed both disappointment and gratitude following the Academy’s announcement. Acknowledging the film’s exclusion from the shortlist, they viewed this outcome as a motivating factor to continue producing compelling narratives. “This is not the end but a step forward,” affirmed the team, committed to creating and sharing more impactful stories with a global audience.
