Priyanka Chopra-Backed Short Film Anuja Earns 2025 Oscar Nomination

Indian cinema shines on the global stage once again as Anuja, a short film produced by Priyanka Chopra and Guneet Monga, secures a nomination for Best Live Action Short Film at the 2025 Academy Awards. Announced by Bowen Yang and Rachel Sennott, the nomination is a testament to the film's powerful storytelling and cultural resonance.

Anuja tells the poignant story of a young girl working in a Delhi garment factory alongside her sister, Palak, played by Ananya Shanbhag. When faced with a life-altering decision, the weight of her family's future rests on her young shoulders.

The film is among five finalists chosen from an initial pool of 180 entries and will compete against Alien, I’m Not a Robot, The Last Ranger, and A Man Who Would Not Remain Silent.

This marks Guneet Monga's third Oscar nomination, following her wins for The Elephant Whisperers and Period: End of Sentence. Directed by Adam J. Graves and produced by Suchitra Mattai, the film is a collaboration with Salaam Baalak Trust, Shine Global, and Krushan Naik Films, ensuring an authentic portrayal of the struggles and triumphs of working children in India.

The cast also includes Sajda Pathan and Nagesh Bhosle, with Anuja previously winning the top honor at the HollyShorts Film Festival. The film will soon be available for streaming on Netflix, offering audiences worldwide a chance to experience its emotional depth.

The 97th Academy Awards, hosted by Conan O’Brien, will be held at the Dolby Theatre on March 2, 2025, where Anuja will represent India’s storytelling brilliance.