The nominations for the Critics Choice Awards 2026 are finally out, and they have already created a strong buzz in the Indian film industry. Announced on Tuesday, the nominations highlight some of the most exciting films, web series and documentaries released across the country over the past year.
However, one film that has clearly grabbed everyone’s attention is Homebound, directed by Neeraj Ghaywan and produced by Karan Johar. The film has quickly become the biggest talking point after the nominations were revealed.
With six nominations across major categories, Homebound is the most nominated film this year. The Critics Choice Awards ceremony will take place on March 24 in Mumbai. Filmmakers, actors and industry professionals from across India are expected to attend the event.
Critics Choice Awards 2026 Nominations: Homebound Leads The Race
Among the feature film nominees, Homebound stands out with six nominations. It is competing in several key categories, including Best Film. This strong showing has made it the front-runner in this year’s awards race.
Actor Vishal Jethwa has earned a Best Actor nomination for his performance in the film. Meanwhile, Shalini Vatsa has been nominated for Best Supporting Actress. Director Ghaywan has also been recognised in the Best Director category.
The film has received additional nominations for Best Writing and Best Editing. These nominations show that critics have appreciated both its storytelling and technical craft.
Over the years, Ghaywan has gained recognition for making socially relevant films. With Homebound, he once again seems to have impressed critics with a powerful story and strong performances.
Close behind Homebound are two other well-reviewed films. Sabar Bonda (Cactus Pears), directed by Rohan Parashuram Kanawade, and Jugnuma (The Fable) by Raam Reddy have received three nominations each.
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Other films such as The Great Shamsuddin Family, Bison Kaalamaadan and the BAFTA-winning Manipuri film Boong have secured two nominations each. Their presence in the list highlights the growing recognition of regional cinema at national awards.
Web Series And Documentaries In Nominations List
The Critics Choice Awards 2026 nominations also reflect the growing popularity of streaming content. Several web series have earned nominations in major categories.
In the Best Web Series category, titles like Paatal Lok Season 2, Black Warrant, Black, White & Gray – Love Kills, Perfect Family and The Ba**ds of Bollywood are competing for the top prize.
Many well-known actors have also been recognised for their performances in web shows. Jaideep Ahlawat has received a Best Actor nomination for Paatal Lok 2. At the same time, Manoj Bajpayee has been nominated for The Family Man 3.
In the Best Actress category, performers like Shabana Azmi, Surveen Chawla and Priyamani are among the nominees.
The documentary category also includes several interesting titles. Films such as I, Poppy, Marriage Cops and 1PB Mein Sufiyana Qalam (Music in a Village Named 1PB) highlight meaningful real-life stories.
Short films have also found a place in the nominations. Projects like Aasmaani Jhoola (The Giant Wheel of Life), Direct Recruitment, and Maaybaapache Aashirwaad (Blessings) are nominated across categories including Best Short Film, Best Director and Best Actor.
A Special Honour For Farida Jalal Critics Choice Awards 2026
Apart from the competitive awards, the ceremony will also honour a legendary actor. Veteran star Farida Jalal will receive the Extraordinary Contribution to Cinema Award this year. The honour recognises her long and memorable career in Indian cinema, which has spanned several decades.
The Critics Choice Awards are decided by 56 members of the Film Critics Guild. They evaluate films, web series, documentaries and short films from different Indian languages.
