The Oscars, also known as the Academy Awards, is the most prestigious awards ceremony in the world of cinema. Every year, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences recognizes the best films, actors, directors, and other industry professionals for their outstanding achievements in filmmaking. While the Oscars have been dominated by Hollywood movies over the years, Indian cinema has also made its mark on the world stage, winning several awards and earning international acclaim.
From Satyajit Ray's Pather Panchali to Bhanu Athaiya's Gandhi, Indian films and individuals have been recognized for their exceptional talent and creativity. Here's a list of all the Oscars won by India till date:
Best Documentary Short Subject - 1958 "Albert Schweitzer" - A documentary about the life and work of the famous humanitarian and philosopher, Albert Schweitzer. Directed by Jerome Hill, the film won the Best Documentary Short Subject award at the 31st Academy Awards.
Best Foreign Language Film - 1983 "Gandhi" - Directed by Richard Attenborough, "Gandhi" is a biographical film about the life of Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the Indian nation. Starring Ben Kingsley in the titular role, the film won eight Oscars in total, including Best Picture and Best Director.
Best Costume Design - 1983 "Bhanu Athaiya" - Indian costume designer Bhanu Athaiya won the Best Costume Design award for her work in "Gandhi." She became the first Indian to win an Oscar.
Best Documentary Feature - 1988 "The Great Indian Elephant Rescue" - Directed by Mike Birkhead, the film is a documentary about the plight of the Indian elephant and the efforts to save them. It won the Best Documentary Feature award at the 60th Academy Awards.
Best Original Song - 2009 "A.R. Rahman" - Indian composer A.R. Rahman won the Best Original Song award for "Jai Ho" from the film "Slumdog Millionaire." The song, which became a global sensation, was also nominated for Best Original Score.
Best Sound Mixing - 2009 "Ian Tapp, Richard Pryke, Resul Pookutty" - The sound mixing team of "Slumdog Millionaire," consisting of Ian Tapp, Richard Pryke, and Resul Pookutty, won the Best Sound Mixing award for their outstanding work in the film.
Best Original Score - 2009 "A.R. Rahman" - A.R. Rahman won his second Oscar for his brilliant musical score in "Slumdog Millionaire."
Best Cinematography - 2009 "Anthony Dod Mantle" - British cinematographer Anthony Dod Mantle won the Best Cinematography award for his exceptional work in "Slumdog Millionaire."
Best Documentary Short Subject - 2012 "Saving Face" - Directed by Pakistani filmmaker Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, "Saving Face" is a documentary about acid attacks on women in Pakistan and their fight for justice. It won the Best Documentary Short Subject award at the 84th Academy Awards.
Best Original Song - 2018 "Benj Pasek, Justin Paul" - American songwriters Benj Pasek and Justin Paul won the Best Original Song award for "City of Stars" from the film "La La Land." The song was co-written with Indian composer
RRR's Best Original Song for "Naatu Naatu" (2023)