The 97th Academy Awards, held on March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles, was a night to remember. Hosted by Conan O’Brien, the ceremony celebrated the best in filmmaking, with a mix of epic blockbusters and intimate dramas taking center stage.
Indian Dimension:
India’s presence at the 97th Academy Awards was marked by notable nominations and a rich history of contributions to the Oscars. While the country’s official submission, “Laapataa Ladies,” did not make it to the Best International Feature category, there were still significant moments for Indian cinema.
Nominations:
- Anuja: This heartfelt 22-minute short film, backed by Guneet Monga and Priyanka Chopra Jonas, secured a nomination in the Best Live Action Short Film category.
- I Am Ready, Warden: A documentary short by Indian-origin American director Smriti Mundhra, also earned a spot in the nominations.
Historical Contributions:
Indian cinema has had a unique journey at the Oscars, with ten wins across various categories, including technical awards. Over the years, industry stalwarts such as Shabana Azmi, Vidya Balan, SS Rajamouli, and Rima Das have become part of the Academy’s growing and diverse voting body, which currently stands at 9,905 members.
Memorable Moments:
- Mother India’s Historic Nomination: India’s tryst with the Oscars began in 1958 when Mehboob Khan’s “Mother India” became the country’s first official submission for Best Foreign Language Film. The film made it to the final nominations but lost to Federico Fellini’s “Nights of Cabiria” by just one vote.
- Bhanu Athaiya’s Oscar Win: In 1983, legendary costume designer Bhanu Athaiya made history by becoming the first Indian to win an Oscar. She shared the Best Costume Design award for Richard Attenborough’s “Gandhi” alongside John Mollo.
- Satyajit Ray’s Honorary Oscar: Renowned filmmaker Satyajit Ray received an Academy Honorary Award in 1992, recognizing his monumental contribution to world cinema. Ailing in a Kolkata hospital, Ray accepted the honor via video, with Audrey Hepburn presenting the award on stage.
The 97th Academy Awards highlighted the global reach of cinema and the significant contributions of Indian filmmakers. As Hollywood continues to celebrate diverse voices and stories, India’s presence at the Oscars remains a testament to its rich cinematic heritage and ongoing impact on the world stage.
