Laapata Ladies Did Not Make it to the 2025 Oscars Shortlist

Kiran Rao's 'Laapata Ladies' did not make it to the 2025 Oscars shortlist in the International Feature Film category.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced the shortlists for 10 categories for the upcoming 97th Academy Awards on Tuesday, Dec. 17.

The heart-warming film had been submitted as India's official entry for the Best International Feature Film and when it was not selected, fans were very disappointed. 

Rao, the film's director, shared a message on her Instagram saying, "Laapataa Ladies (Lost Ladies) did not make it to the Academy Awards shortlist this year, and we are of course disappointed, but equally we are immensely grateful for the incredible support and belief we’ve received throughout this journey."

She also wrote, "We extend our gratitude to the Academy members and the FFI jury for considering our film. To be included in this prestigious process alongside some of the finest films from across the world is an honor in itself."

Film critics and cinephiles argued that Payal Kapadia's 'All We Imagine as Light' would have been a stronger contender since it won the Grand Prix at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival. 

There is still hope for India with Guneet Monga's 'Anuja', which has made it to the 2025 Oscars shortlist in the 'Best Live-Action Short Film' category.