The 97th Academy Awards are set to celebrate another milestone in Indian cinema, as Guneet Monga and Priyanka Chopra’s short film Anuja secures a nomination in the prestigious Best Live Action Short Film category at the Oscars 2025. This remarkable achievement not only highlights the brilliance of storytelling but also emphasizes the power of collaboration and social impact in filmmaking.
The announcement of Oscar 2025 nominations on Thursday brought great joy to Indian cinema enthusiasts worldwide. Guneet Monga, who previously won an Oscar at the 95th Academy Awards in 2023 for The Elephant Whisperers, continues her legacy of bringing meaningful narratives to the global stage. This time, her collaboration with Priyanka Chopra has resulted in the recognition of Anuja, a heartfelt story that has already touched the hearts of many.
The short film Anuja has been produced in partnership with the Salaam Baalak Trust (SBT), a non-profit organization founded by Mira Nair’s family to support street and working children in India. The organization’s invaluable work inspired the narrative of Anuja, making the nomination not just a win for cinema but also a spotlight on the resilience and spirit of underprivileged youth.
This Oscar nomination marks the first for director Adam J. Graves and producer Suchitra Mattai. Speaking about the achievement, Guneet Monga Kapoor expressed her gratitude and pride. She stated, “Incredibly honored for this nomination at the 97th Oscars. It is a privilege to share the story of Anuja, representing the work of Salaam Baalak Trust India—the voice of countless youth who bravely face formidable circumstances every day. Even through unimaginable odds, they show us there is reason to smile.”
Monga further acknowledged the global collaboration that brought the film to life, saying, “Director Adam J. Graves and producer Suchitra Mattai have poured all of their hearts into this. This nomination is a testament to how we can cross borders, collaborate, and bring honest stories to life, alongside the support of some of the most powerful global icons like Mindy Kaling and Priyanka Chopra Jonas. Thank you for helping bring Anuja’s message to the global stage. Can’t wait for the world to experience the joy of watching Anuja on Netflix.”
Priyanka Chopra Jonas, a global icon and co-producer of Anuja, also shared her excitement about the film’s nomination. She said, “Anuja being nominated for an Oscar in the Best Live Action Short Film category is such an incredible moment. This film is a beautiful reminder of the power of storytelling—how it can shine a light on love, family, and resilience in the most authentic way.”
Chopra praised the film’s cast and crew, adding, “I’m so proud of Adam J. Graves for his vision and deeply moved by the brilliant performances of Sajda Pathan and Ananya Shanbhag, who have poured their hearts into bringing these characters to life. It’s an honor for me to be part of this journey alongside our amazing partners—Suchitra Mattai Studio, Mindy Kaling, Guneet Monga Kapoor, and Shine Global. Telling meaningful stories that resonate with audiences is what drives us, and I’m beyond thrilled to see Anuja receive this well-deserved recognition.”
Anuja stands out as a powerful narrative of love, family, and resilience. The film delves into the lives of its characters, highlighting their struggles and triumphs in a way that resonates universally. Its connection with Salaam Baalak Trust adds an extra layer of authenticity and social significance, drawing attention to the lives of marginalized children.
The performances of Sajda Pathan and Ananya Shanbhag have also been widely acclaimed for their emotional depth, bringing a sense of realism to the story. Coupled with Adam J. Graves’ direction and Suchitra Mattai’s production, Anuja emerges as a testament to the magic of storytelling.
Fans eagerly awaiting the release of Anuja will be thrilled to know that the short film will be available for streaming on Netflix soon. With its Oscar nomination, the anticipation around the film’s global premiere has skyrocketed, promising an unforgettable viewing experience.
India’s presence at the Oscars has been steadily growing, with films like The Elephant Whisperers and RRR making waves in recent years. Guneet Monga’s consistent efforts to bring Indian stories to the global platform further solidify the country’s reputation in world cinema. The nomination of Anuja adds another feather to this illustrious cap.
As the 97th Academy Awards approach, the nomination of Anuja for the Best Live Action Short Film category serves as a beacon of hope and pride for Indian cinema. The film’s powerful narrative, combined with stellar performances and heartfelt collaborations, has already won hearts worldwide. Whether it takes home the Oscar or not, Anuja has cemented its place as a milestone in storytelling.
Stay tuned for the latest updates on Bollywood, Hollywood, and global cinema. Follow trusted sources like IMDb and Oscars.org for more information about Anuja and the 97th Academy Awards.