Oscar Award Winners from India in 2021
The 93rd Academy Awards, held in April 2021, marked a significant year for global cinema, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. While India did not secure a direct Oscar win in 2021, its influence was still felt through official submissions, nominations, and behind-the-scenes contributions to several international projects.
Let’s take a closer look at India’s role at the Oscars 2021, highlighting official film entries, notable nominations, and artistic contributions that showcased Indian talent on a global platform.
India’s Official Entry: Jallikattu (2021 Submission)
- Film Title: Jallikattu
- Language: Malayalam
- Director: Lijo Jose Pellissery
- Category: Best International Feature Film
- Result: Not nominated
India’s official submission for the Best International Feature Film category at the 2021 Oscars was Jallikattu, a visually intense Malayalam film exploring human-animal conflict and primal instincts. While it did not make it to the final nominations list, Jallikattu was praised for its bold cinematography and powerful narrative, representing India’s evolving cinematic language.
Oscar Winners with Indian Connections in 2021
Although no Indian film or individual directly won an Oscar in 2021, Indian talent contributed to winning projects through technical and creative collaborations.
My Octopus Teacher – Best Documentary Feature
While not an Indian production, the documentary film “My Octopus Teacher”, which won Best Documentary Feature, received support and promotion in India through global streaming platforms. Its success highlighted the growing Indian audience for international documentaries and the rising appreciation for storytelling formats seen in India’s own documentary scene.
Indian Technicians in Global Projects
India’s role in Hollywood productions often goes beyond recognition on stage. In 2021, several Oscar-nominated films benefited from post-production, animation, and VFX work carried out by Indian studios.
For instance, Indian artists and technicians played roles in the visual effects teams of big-budget nominees like:
- Tenet
- The Midnight Sky
- Mulan
Though these were not Indian films, the behind-the-scenes involvement of Indian professionals in Oscar-winning or nominated movies showcases the technical expertise India contributes to world cinema.
Key Highlights: India at the Oscars 2021
- Jallikattu was India’s official submission but did not receive a nomination.
- Indian VFX studios and professionals contributed to several nominated Hollywood films.
- No Indian film or individual won an Oscar in 2021, but India’s involvement was significant in the production and post-production process.
Why 2021 Still Mattered for Indian Cinema
Although India did not appear among the final Oscar winners list in 2021, the year reflected the increasing integration of Indian talent into global film projects. From regional cinema submissions to technical collaborations, Indian professionals continue to leave their mark internationally.
In addition, Jallikattu being selected as the national entry indicated a growing shift toward regional and experimental cinema being recognized at a global level.
Conclusion
India’s journey at the Oscars 2021 may not have included a trophy, but it was still a year of progress and participation. With a strong official entry in Jallikattu and several Indian artists working on globally recognized films, the foundation for future success was clearly being laid.
As Indian cinema continues to evolve and expand its global reach, it’s only a matter of time before the country celebrates more Oscar victories.