As the global film industry prepares for its biggest night, the 98th Academy Awards are set to unfold tomorrow, March 16, at the iconic Dolby Theatre. For viewers in India, the ceremony will begin at 4:30 AM IST, bringing with it a mix of anticipation, historic nominations, and a few compelling Indian connections.
A Historic Night in the Making
This year, one film has completely dominated the nominations. The Hollywood drama Sinners has secured 16 nominations, the highest number ever received by a film in Oscar history. Until now, the record of 14 nominations was shared by classics such as All About Eve (1950), Titanic (1997), and La La Land (2016).
But the real suspense lies in what happens next. If Sinners manages to win 11 or more awards, it could become the most Oscar-winning film of all time—surpassing the current record jointly held by Ben-Hur, Titanic, and The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, each of which won 11 Oscars.
Leonardo DiCaprio Returns to the Oscar Race
Another major highlight this year is the return of Hollywood superstar Leonardo DiCaprio to the Best Actor race. He has earned his sixth career nomination for his performance in the film One Battle After Another.
DiCaprio finally won his first Oscar in 2016 for his performance in The Revenant, after years of memorable nominations. Interestingly, One Battle After Another itself has received 13 nominations, making it one of the strongest contenders of the night.
Indian Presence at the Oscars
Although no Indian film has secured a nomination this year, India still has a notable presence.
Global star Priyanka Chopra will present an award at the ceremony—marking her second time as an Oscar presenter after her appearance in 2016. She remains the only Indian celebrity to present at the Oscars on two separate occasions, highlighting her continued influence in Hollywood.
Meanwhile, Indian-origin filmmaker Geeta Gandbhir has achieved a remarkable feat by receiving two Oscar nominations in the same year. Her films The Perfect Neighbor (Best Documentary Feature) and The Devil Is Busy (Best Documentary Short) have both been recognized by the Academy.
Gandbhir, a two-time Emmy winner, was born in Boston to an Indian father who migrated to the United States in the 1960s. Her documentary The Perfect Neighbor examines a shocking real-life case involving a woman named Ajike who was killed by a neighbor in Florida in 2023.
A New Category in Oscar History
The 98th Academy Awards will also mark a historic change. For the first time, the Academy will present an award for Best Casting, recognizing the crucial role casting directors play in shaping a film.
Films competing in this new category include Sinners, Marty Supreme, Hamnet, One Battle After Another, and The Secret Agent.
India’s Long Wait for the Top Oscar
The Academy Awards began in 1929, and the category now known as Best International Feature Film was introduced in 1957. That same year, legendary filmmaker Mehboob Khan sent India’s first official entry, the classic Mother India, which reached the final nomination stage.
Over the decades, a few Indian films have come close to Oscar glory, including Salaam Bombay!, Lagaan, and the Marathi film Shwaas—but none managed to win.
However, individual Indians have made their mark. Costume designer Bhanu Athaiya became the first Indian Oscar winner, while composer A. R. Rahman made history by winning two Oscars—Best Original Score and Best Original Song—for Slumdog Millionaire and its iconic track Jai Ho.
The Big Question
As Hollywood gathers under the lights of the Dolby Theatre, the biggest question remains:
Will Sinners make Oscar history—or will the night bring unexpected surprises?
For film lovers around the world, tomorrow morning promises drama, records, and perhaps a few unforgettable moments