Indian Cinema’s Local and Vocal Triumphs at the Oscars: A Comprehensive List of Winners
Indian cinema, also known as Bollywood, is the world’s largest film industry in terms of the number of films produced annually. Over the years, Indian movies have made their mark at the Oscars, with several nominations and wins in various categories. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the most notable Indian movies that have been recognized by the Academy.
“Mother India” was India’s first submission for the Best Foreign Language Film category in 1957. The epic drama was nominated for the category and also received a nomination for Best Actress for its lead, Nargis. Although the film did not win in either category, it is considered a classic in Indian cinema and was even nominated for the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival.
In 1988, “Salaam Bombay!” directed by Mira Nair was India’s next submission for the Best Foreign Language Film category. The film was set in the slums of Mumbai and followed the story of a young boy’s struggles to survive in the city. “Salaam Bombay!” was nominated for the category and won the Camera d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival.
In 2001, “Lagaan” directed by Ashutosh Gowariker was India’s third submission for the Best Foreign Language Film category. The film was set in colonial India and told the story of a group of villagers who take on their British oppressors in a game of cricket. “Lagaan” was not only nominated for the Best Foreign Language Film category but also received a nomination for Best Original Song.
Moving on to 2008, “Slumdog Millionaire” directed by Danny Boyle became the first Indian movie to win eight Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Adapted Screenplay. The film, set in Mumbai, followed the story of a young boy who becomes a contestant on the Indian version of “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire.” “Slumdog Millionaire” also won four Golden Globe Awards and seven BAFTA Awards.
“Period. End of Sentence.” won the Best Documentary Short Subject category at the 91st Academy Awards in 2019. Directed by Rayka Zehtabchi, the film was set in rural India and focused on the stigma surrounding menstruation in the country.
2023
India’s film industry made a significant impact on the global stage with its recent triumph at the 95th Academy Awards. The country’s success at the Oscars, with two prestigious awards, showcases the diversity and creativity of Indian cinema.
The first award was for Best Original Song for the film RRR, ‘Naatu Naatu,’ composed by M.M. Keeravaani and sung by Anirudh Ravichander and Vijay Yesudas. The song’s win is a testament to the growing popularity of Indian music globally and highlights the rich cultural heritage of India.
The second award was for Best Documentary Short Film for The Elephant Whisperers, directed by Payal Kapadia. The film provides an intimate portrayal of the lives of mahouts and their relationship with elephants in Kerala. The win not only highlights the importance of animal welfare but also showcases the unique perspectives and storytelling styles of Indian filmmakers.
India’s cinema industry has come a long way since its early days, and its journey to the Oscars is a testament to its growth and impact on the global film industry. With an ever-growing audience and increased recognition, Indian films are poised to make an even bigger impact at the Academy Awards in the years to come.
Indian cinema has come a long way at the Oscars, and these movies are a testament to the talent and creativity of Indian filmmakers. From “Mother India” to “The Elephant Whisperers,” Indian cinema has made significant strides at the Academy Awards. As the world’s largest film industry, Indian cinema will continue to make its presence felt on the global stage, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds.
