Indian Live-Action Short Film ‘Anuja’ Misses Out on Oscar Win
New Delhi : The grand opening of the prestigious Oscars 2025 took place at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, USA. As every year, cinema lovers worldwide eagerly awaited this special event. Among the many outstanding films competing for the coveted award, India’s ‘Anuja’ was also in the race. The nomination itself was a moment of pride for Indian cinema, but due to tough competition, the film missed out on winning the award. However, this recognition remains a significant achievement for the Indian film industry.
Directed by Adam J. Graves, the short film ‘Anuja’ was nominated in the Live Action Short Film category at the Oscars 2025. Produced by Guneet Monga and Priyanka Chopra as executive producers, the film had raised high hopes for India at the prestigious awards. However, the Oscar in this category went to ‘I Am Not a Robot’. Other nominated films included ‘The Last Ranger’, ‘A Line’, and ‘The Man Who Could Not Remain Silent’.
Guneet Monga is a renowned figure in Indian cinema, having won two Oscars for India. In 2019, her short film ‘Period: End of Sentence’ won an Oscar, and in 2023, her short documentary ‘The Elephant Whisperers’ received the honor. Many believed that Guneet could bring another Oscar home, but ‘Anuja’ narrowly missed the award, leaving Indian audiences slightly disappointed.
The Story of ‘Anuja’
The short film portrays the struggles of two sisters—9-year-old Anuja and her elder sister Palak, who work in a garment factory. The story revolves around Anuja’s journey, where she faces a life-changing decision. The film sensitively captures the battle between innocence, hardships, and hope.
