Indian short film ‘Anuja’ earns Priyanka Chopra, Guneet Monga a nod at the Oscars 2025-OxBig News Network

A still from ‘Anuja’
| Photo Credit: Netflix

Indian cinema celebrates another Oscar nomination as Anuja, a short film backed by Priyanka Chopra and Guneet Monga, secures a coveted spot in the Best Live Action Short Film category at the 2025 Academy Awards. The nominations, announced by Bowen Yang and Rachel Sennott, mark a significant milestone for the film, which tells the story of a young girl navigating challenging circumstances.

The film follows the titular Anuja, who works in a garment factory in Delhi alongside her sister Palak, portrayed by Ananya Shanbhag. When she is faced with a life-altering decision, the responsibility of her family’s future rests heavily on her young shoulders.

This nomination places Anuja among five finalists selected from an initial pool of 180 qualifying films. It 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 the success of The Elephant Whisperers and Period: End of Sentence, both of which won Academy Awards. The film, directed by Adam J Graves and produced by his wife Suchitra Mattai, is a collaboration with the Salaam Baalak Trust, Shine Global, and Krushan Naik Films.

The film also earned the top honor at the HollyShorts Film Festival last year. Graves collaborated with organizations like Salaam Baalak Trust, Shine Global, and Save the Children to ensure the film authentically portrays the challenges and triumphs of working children in India.

It features performances by Ananya Shanbhag, Sajda Pathan, and Nagesh Bhosle. Anuja will soon be available for streaming on Netflix. The 97th Oscars, hosted by Conan O’Brien, will take place at the Dolby Theatre on March 2.