The Oscar nominations for 2025 were revealed yesterday, and it’s a time of celebration for India. Anuja, an Indian short film, has been nominated for Best Short Film (Live Action). The Man Who Could Not Remain Silent, I’m Not a Robot, The Last Ranger, and A Lien are the other short films on the final list of nominations.
What is Anuja about?
At its heart, the film tells the poignant story of a nine-year-old girl, Anuja (played by Sajda Pathan), who works with her older sister, Palak (Ananya Shanbhag), in a Delhi garment factory. The two share a close-knit bond, navigating the daily grind with resilience and hope. But here’s where the plot thickens – a rare opportunity to attend school comes Anuja’s way, threatening to turn their lives upside down. Can she dare to dream beyond her circumstances? And how will this decision affect her sister who has sacrificed so much?
What makes Anuja truly special is its deep dive into themes like sisterhood, child labour, and the life-changing power of education. It doesn’t just tug at your heartstrings; it forces you to think about the harsh realities many children face every day. It reflects the struggles of girls worldwide.
The forces behind Anuja
Written and directed by Adam J. Graves, Anuja has been made with the help of many community partners. Organisations like Salaam Baalak Trust and Shine Global came together to make the film a reality. In late 2024, Mindy Kaling and Guneet Monga Kapoor joined as producers. Later, in 2025, Priyanka Chopra also backed the film as an executive producer.
Anuja has already won over critics and audiences worldwide and will soon be released on Netflix. The short film has won many accolades including Best Live Action Short Award at HollyShorts Film Festival 2024, Audience Award Short Film at Montclair Film Festival 2024, and Grand Prize New York Shorts International Film Festival 2024. The film’s Oscar nod isn’t just a win for the creators but a massive step forward in highlighting important issues like education and child labour on a global platform.
Anuja nominated for Oscars: Team reactions
The entire team of the film is overjoyed and hopeful that the film will bring the elusive Oscar home. Guneet Monga took to Twitter (now X) to share her gratitude.
#AnujaTheFilm is headed to the Oscars!
Incredibly honoured 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. #Oscars2025 pic.twitter.com/VDdqXdNoPy
— Guneet Monga Kapoor (@guneetm) January 23, 2025
Priyanka Chopra and Mindy Kaling also penned a heartfelt thank-you note on Instagram.
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As the Oscars draw closer, let’s hope this little gem from India takes home the golden statuette. After all, it’s stories like Anuja that remind us of the power of cinema to inspire change.
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