Table of Contents
Laapataa Ladies, directed by Kiran Rao, fails to make the Oscars 2025 shortlist for Best International Feature. Despite being India’s official entry, the film was excluded from the top 15 contenders. Critics question the Film Federation of India’s selection process, with many suggesting Payal Kapadia’s All We Imagine As Light was a stronger contender. Discover the reasons behind the exclusion and the films that made the shortlist for this prestigious category.
India’s official entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the 2025 Oscars, Laapataa Ladies, has failed to make the cut, igniting frustration among film enthusiasts and industry professionals alike. The Academy of Motion Pictures, Arts and Sciences recently announced its shortlist for the category, and Laapataa Ladies was notably absent. Many on the internet have expressed anger at the Film Federation of India (FFI), which selects the country’s official submission for the Oscars, calling for an overhaul of the body.[1]
Why Laapataa Ladies Was a Surprising Snub
Directed by Kiran Rao, Laapataa Ladies was selected as India’s official entry earlier this year, despite the widespread belief that Payal Kapadia’s All We Imagine As Light had a stronger shot at Oscar recognition. The Hindi-language film, which features newcomers Sparsh Srivastava, Pratibha Ranta, and Nitanshi Goel, revolves around two brides mistakenly interchanged in rural India in the 1990s. While Laapataa Ladies was praised by critics, it failed to generate the same level of buzz or momentum as All We Imagine As Light.
All We Imagine As Light was widely considered to have a better chance at an Oscar nomination. This Cannes-winning film, which explores the lives of Mumbai’s working class, has already won the prestigious Grand Prize at the Cannes Film Festival and has garnered nominations for both the Golden Globes and Critics’ Choice Awards. Many fans believe the Film Federation of India made a mistake by not selecting All We Imagine As Light as the official submission.[2]
FFI Under Fire for Selection Process
The failure of Laapataa Ladies to make the Oscars shortlist has led to widespread criticism of the Film Federation of India (FFI). On social media, users have called for an immediate overhaul of the organization, accusing it of consistently making poor selections for India’s official Oscars entry. Some have even demanded that current members step down to make way for those with a better understanding of global cinema.
One Twitter user commented, “FFI snubbed AWIAL, destroying our chances of being on the Oscars list. The Film Federation of India needs a complete revamp.” Another user added, “An Oscar campaign for a desi film can’t start in October. All We Imagine As Light had a direct path to an Oscar nod.”[3]
A History of Controversial Selections
The Film Federation of India’s track record of selecting films for the Oscars has long been criticized. The body has been accused of consistently failing to choose films with the potential to make a significant impact on the global stage. For example, in 1995, the FFI overlooked Bandit Queen, a powerful crime drama directed by Shekhar Kapur, which was considered a strong contender for the Oscars. Instead, the FFI chose the lesser-known Tamil film Kuruthipunal as India’s official entry.
Film lovers and critics have also pointed to other high-profile missteps by the FFI in recent years, leading to calls for greater transparency and expertise in the selection process.[4]
Reactions from Filmmakers and Industry Insiders
The lack of a nomination for Laapataa Ladies sparked immediate reactions from industry professionals. Renowned filmmaker Hansal Mehta, known for his work on films like Shahid and Aligarh, took to social media to sarcastically comment on the FFI’s selection process. He wrote, “Film Federation of India does it again! Their strike rate and selection of films year after year is impeccable.”
Grammy-winning composer Ricky Kej also weighed in, echoing Mehta’s sentiments. The two filmmakers, along with many others on Twitter, criticized the FFI’s handling of India’s Oscars campaign, with many calling for a full revamp of the committee.
The Bright Spot: Santosh in Oscars Race
Despite the controversy surrounding India’s official entry, there is some positive news for Indian cinema. The UK-based Hindi film Santosh, directed by Sandhya Suri and starring Shahana Goswami and Sunita Rajwar, has made it to the Oscars shortlist as the UK’s official entry in the Best International Feature category. This marks a rare success for Indian films in the global awards race, giving hope to film lovers who want to see Indian cinema gain more recognition on the world stage.[5]
FFI Under Intense Scrutiny Ahead of 2025 Oscars
As the 2025 Oscars race heats up, the Film Federation of India finds itself under intense scrutiny for its choice of Laapataa Ladies as the official entry. While Kiran Rao’s film may have received critical acclaim, it was ultimately not competitive enough for the global stage. Film lovers and industry insiders are now calling for the FFI to rethink its approach to selecting India’s Oscars submissions and to consider films that have the potential to go the distance.
As the debate continues, many are questioning whether the Film Federation of India can redeem itself in the years to come or if it’s time for a new approach to India’s representation at the Oscars.[6]
Oscars 2025: India’s Laapataa Ladies Excluded from Shortlist for Best International Feature
India’s official entry for the 2025 Academy Awards, Laapataa Ladies, directed by Kiran Rao, has failed to make the shortlist for the Best International Feature Film category. The Academy announced its shortlist on December 17, and Laapataa Ladies was notably absent from the list, sparking disappointment among fans and industry insiders.
Kiran Rao’s Laapataa Ladies – India’s Official Oscars Entry
Laapataa Ladies (retitled Lost Ladies in some markets) was selected by India’s Film Federation of India (FFI) as the country’s official entry for the Oscars 2025. The film, a coming-of-age story set in rural India, follows two young brides who are separated from their husbands. Set in the 1990s, the film explores themes of identity, societal norms, and the resilience of Indian women.
In September 2023, the 13-member selection committee, led by renowned Assamese filmmaker Jahnu Barua, praised Laapataa Ladies for its ability to represent the diversity and complexity of Indian women’s lives. However, despite its critical acclaim, Laapataa Ladies failed to secure a spot among the 15 shortlisted films for the Best International Feature category.[7]
Shortlist for Best International Feature – 2025 Oscars
The 15 films that made it to the 2025 Oscars shortlist for Best International Feature include:
- Brazil: I’m Still Here
- Canada: Universal Language
- Czech Republic: Waves
- Denmark: The Girl with the Needle
- France: Emilia Pérez
- Germany: The Seed of the Sacred Fig
- Iceland: Touch
This diverse list showcases films from various countries and highlights the global reach and appeal of international cinema at the Oscars.
Why Wasn’t Laapataa Ladies Chosen?
Despite being chosen as India’s official entry, many believed that Laapataa Ladies would face stiff competition in the Best International Feature category. One major point of contention was the exclusion of All We Imagine As Light, Payal Kapadia’s Cannes-winning film, which many critics and film lovers saw as a stronger contender. All We Imagine As Light had already gained significant international acclaim, having won the Grand Prize at Cannes and earned nominations at the Golden Globes and Critics’ Choice Awards.
Some film industry experts argue that Laapataa Ladies, while being a beautifully crafted film, lacked the global recognition and buzz needed to compete on the world stage. The Film Federation of India’s decision to select Laapataa Ladies over All We Imagine As Light has drawn criticism, with many questioning whether the selection committee fully understood the dynamics of the international film circuit.[8]
Reactions to Laapataa Ladies Exclusion
The exclusion of Laapataa Ladies from the Oscars shortlist has generated mixed reactions online. While some fans expressed their support for the film and its unique portrayal of rural Indian women, others criticized the Film Federation of India’s selection process. Many took to social media to voice their frustration, with some calling for the revamp of the FFI due to its failure to choose films with Oscar potential.
Filmmaker Hansal Mehta, known for his films Shahid and Aligarh, sarcastically commented on the FFI’s consistent “strike rate” when it comes to selecting films for the Oscars. Other prominent voices from the film industry, including composer Ricky Kej, echoed similar sentiments, lamenting the missed opportunity for Indian cinema to make a meaningful impact at the 2025 Academy Awards.[9]
Looking Ahead: India’s Future at the Oscars
While Laapataa Ladies has failed to make it to the 2025 Oscars shortlist, there is still optimism for Indian cinema’s future at the Academy Awards. The selection process for India’s official entry is already under scrutiny, and many hope that future choices will be more competitive in securing a nomination.
The success of Payal Kapadia’s All We Imagine As Light at Cannes and other international festivals serves as a reminder of the immense talent within the Indian film industry. With films like Santosh, a UK-based Hindi film, also making waves internationally, Indian cinema continues to receive global recognition, even if the country’s official Oscars entry has not always hit the mark.[10]
Conclusion
The exclusion of Laapataa Ladies from the Oscars 2025 shortlist is a setback for Indian cinema, but it also highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the Film Federation of India in selecting films that can compete on the international stage. As India continues to build its presence at global film festivals and award shows, there is hope that future selections will better reflect the diverse talent and cinematic storytelling emerging from the country.
FAQs: India’s Laapataa Ladies and the Oscars 2025
1. Why wasn’t Laapataa Ladies selected for the Oscars 2025 shortlist?
Laapataa Ladies, directed by Kiran Rao, was selected as India’s official entry for the Oscars 2025 in the Best International Feature category. However, it failed to make it to the shortlist of 15 films announced by the Academy on December 17, 2024. Despite its critical acclaim, the film lacked the global buzz and recognition that other shortlisted films, such as All We Imagine As Light, a Cannes-winning film by Payal Kapadia, garnered.
2. What is Laapataa Ladies about?
Laapataa Ladies (also titled Lost Ladies) is a coming-of-age drama set in rural India in the 1990s. It tells the story of two young brides who are mistakenly swapped, leading to an exploration of identity, societal expectations, and women’s resilience. Directed by Kiran Rao, the film has received praise for its portrayal of rural India and the diversity of Indian women.
3. Why did the Film Federation of India choose Laapataa Ladies over other films?
In September 2023, the 13-member selection committee of the Film Federation of India (FFI), led by filmmaker Jahnu Barua, selected Laapataa Ladies as India’s official Oscars entry. The committee felt that the film accurately captured the diverse lives of Indian women and represented a unique story of rural India. However, there were debates about whether films like Payal Kapadia’s All We Imagine As Light might have been stronger contenders for the Oscars.
4. What films made the 2025 Oscars Best International Feature shortlist?
The 15 films that made the 2025 Oscars shortlist for Best International Feature include:
Brazil: I’m Still Here
Canada: Universal Language
Czech Republic: Waves
Denmark: The Girl with the Needle
France: Emilia Pérez
Germany: The Seed of the Sacred Fig
Iceland: Touch
These films are considered the frontrunners in the Best International Feature category at the 97th Academy Awards.
5. What is the significance of the Oscars Best International Feature category?
The Academy Award for Best International Feature is one of the most prestigious recognitions for non-English language films. Each country can submit one film for consideration, and the shortlist is based on the film’s overall quality, storytelling, global appeal, and impact. Being shortlisted or nominated for this category brings international attention to the filmmaker, actors, and country’s cinema industry.
6. Will Laapataa Ladies have any future chances for awards recognition?
Although Laapataa Ladies didn’t make the Oscars shortlist, the film has garnered critical acclaim and attention for its unique storytelling. It could still receive recognition at other international film festivals or award shows. The film’s ability to explore rural India and the lives of women continues to resonate with audiences and critics alike, which may lead to further accolades.
7. What is the role of the Film Federation of India (FFI) in the Oscars selection process?
The Film Federation of India (FFI) is responsible for selecting India’s official entry for the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film each year. The selection is made by a 13-member committee of filmmakers, critics, and industry professionals who choose a film that they believe has the best chance of representing Indian cinema on the world stage.
8. Why did people want the Film Federation of India (FFI) to be overhauled after Laapataa Ladies‘s exclusion?
After Laapataa Ladies was excluded from the Oscars shortlist, many on social media and within the film industry criticized the Film Federation of India’s selection process. Some felt that the committee made a mistake by not selecting All We Imagine As Light, which was considered a stronger contender. Critics argued that the FFI’s track record of selecting films for the Oscars has not been successful in recent years, leading to calls for the revamp of the organization.
9. What other Indian films have represented the country at the Oscars in recent years?
In recent years, several Indian films have been selected as the official entry to the Oscars, but none have successfully made it to the final nomination stage. Some notable entries include:
2024: The Disciple by Chaitanya Tamhane
2023: Last Film Show (Chhello Show) by Pan Nalin
2022: The White Tiger by Ramin Bahrani
2021: Gully Boy by Zoya Akhtar
Despite critical acclaim, Indian films have faced challenges in securing nominations in the Best International Feature category.
10. What is the future of Indian cinema at the Oscars?
While India has not had significant success in the Best International Feature category, Indian cinema continues to grow in international stature. Indian films are regularly showcased at major global film festivals, and Indian filmmakers are increasingly gaining recognition for their innovative storytelling. With films like All We Imagine As Light and Santosh (which made it to the Oscars shortlist as the UK’s official entry), there is optimism that Indian films may soon break through at the Academy Awards.
For more information:https://watchnewz.com/