The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences revealed the shortlist of 15 films for the Best International Feature Film category at the 2025 Oscars on Tuesday, December 17. India's official entry, Laapataa Ladies, was notably absent, and this exclusion has sparked widespread frustration among audiences and filmmakers, with many questioning the selection process managed by the Film Federation of India (FFI).
Laapataa Ladies Makers and Cast React as Film Misses Out on Oscars 2025
Directed by Kiran Rao, Laapataa Ladies was chosen as India’s official submission for the Best International Feature Film category earlier this year. The decision was unanimous but controversial, as critics and film enthusiasts believed Payal Kapadia’s All We Imagine As Light (AWIAL), a Cannes-winning film, had a stronger chance of making it to the Oscars shortlist.
The team behind Laapataa Ladies has now expressed their disappointment after the film did not make it to the shortlist for the 2025 Academy Awards. However, they also conveyed their heartfelt gratitude to the Academy members and the FFI jury for selecting the film as India's official entry.
The team in an Instagram post shared, "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. We at Aamir Khan Productions, Jio Studios, and Kindling Productions extend our gratitude to the Academy members and the FFI jury for considering our film."
The film, which featured Nitanshi Goel, Pratibha Ranta, Sparsh Shrivastava, Ravi Kishan, and Chhaya Kadam in important roles, had garnered significant attention for its compelling narrative. Speaking to Hindustan Times about the Oscar setback, Chhaya Kadam, who portrayed Manju Maai in the film, shared her feelings of disappointment. "It is shocking and heartbreaking," she said. She continued, "Mere bahut hopes the ki hoga hi (shortlist for Oscars). Mujhe yakeen tha aur mujhse zyada film industry ke logon ko yakeen tha, film ko pyaar karne waale logon ko tha, aur un sabne hi yakeen badhaya tha ki aap (the film) toh jaa hi rahe ho."
Laapataa Ladies Out of Oscars 2025 Race, Netizens Slam FFI
In recent years, India's selections for the Oscars have faced criticism for failing to resonate with the Academy, leading to calls for reform within the organisation. The latest news of Laapataa Ladies failing to qualify led to a flurry of reactions online. Filmmaker Hansal Mehta also criticised the FFI after Laapataa Ladies failed to make it to the shortlist for Best International Feature Film. Hansal took a dig at the FFI, sarcastically highlighting its consistently poor "strike rate" and questionable film selections year after year.
Grammy-winning composer Ricky Kej also shared his thoughts on X, posting a few posters of Laapataa Ladies. Alongside the images, he penned a detailed note expressing his views.
Many blamed the FFI for overlooking stronger contenders. One frustrated user tweeted, “FFI snubbed AWIAL, destroying our chances to be on the list. The Film Federation of India requires a full revamp. The ones who are there now should step down and let others who understand and know the art of cinema take over.”
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