The Indian short film “Anuja” has earned an Oscar nomination for Best Live Action Short Film at the 2025 Academy Awards, as announced on January 23, 2025. This nomination marks a significant milestone for the film, which tells the story of a young girl navigating challenging circumstances in New Delhi.
The film’s producers, including Guneet Monga and Priyanka Chopra, have been instrumental in its success, with the film already winning several awards, including the Best Live Action Short Award at the HollyShorts Film Festival.
The film “Anuja” has been gaining recognition globally, with its world premiere at the 24th DeadCENTER Film Festival on June 8, 2024, and subsequent screenings at various film festivals, including the Indy Shorts International Film Festival and the Montclair Film Festival.
The film’s distribution rights have been acquired by Netflix, allowing it to reach a wider audience, and its producers, including Guneet Monga and Priyanka Chopra, have expressed their hope that the film will have both an emotional and social impact on its audience.
Anuja is Directed by Adam J Graves and Suchitra Mattai, Anuja follows a gifted 9-year-old Anuja, who must choose between education and factory work with her sister – a decision that will shape their futures. The film stars Sajda Pathan in the titular role and Ananya Shanbhag as her sister. Set in New Delhi, the film has two-time Oscar-winning producer Guneet Monga and actor Priyanka Chopra on board as executive producers and Hollywood actor Mindy Kaling as producer.
