The Academy Awards, or Oscars, are given each year by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for achievement in film. The first ceremony was in 1929; today it is held at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. Categories include Best Picture, the acting and directing awards, Best International Feature Film (each country submits one film) and craft awards such as sound and original song. Only a handful of Indians have won.
Key facts
- Indian winners: Bhanu Athaiya was the first (1983, for Gandhi); Satyajit Ray (Honorary Award, 1992); A. R. Rahman (two in 2009, score and song, with lyricist Gulzar); Resul Pookutty (sound mixing, 2009); M. M. Keeravani and Chandrabose ('Naatu Naatu', 2023); and a 2023 documentary short by Kartiki Gonsalves and Guneet Monga.
- Indian nominees for Best International Feature: Mother India (1958), Salaam Bombay! (1989), Lagaan (2002).
- The ceremony has been held at the Dolby Theatre since 2002 and moves to the Peacock Theater from 2029.
- 98th Academy Awards (15 March 2026): Best Picture 'One Battle After Another'. (as of 23 Oct 2026)
Why exams ask about it
Setters ask the first Indian winner and her category, Rahman's two awards, and the latest Best Picture.