Producers of Laapataa Ladies (Lost Ladies), Aamir Khan Productions, Jio Studios, and Kindling Productions, have expressed their disappointment after the film failed to make it to the Oscars 2025 shortlist for the Best International Feature Film category. The film, which was India’s official entry, was renamed Lost Ladies for international audiences as part of its Oscar campaign but did not secure a spot among the top 15 films announced by the Academy.
In an official statement, the producers shared their sentiments, saying, “Laapataa Ladies (Lost Ladies) did not make it to the Academy Awards shortlist this year, and we are of course disappointed, but equally we are immensely grateful for the incredible support and belief we’ve received throughout this journey. We at Aamir Khan Productions, Jio Studios, and Kindling Productions extend our gratitude to the Academy members and the FFI jury for considering our film.”
Despite the setback, the team expressed pride in having been part of the prestigious Oscar race. “To be included in this process alongside some of the finest films from across the world is an honor in itself. Our heartfelt thanks to all the audiences around the world who have expressed their love and support for our film. We congratulate the teams of all the top 15 shortlisted films and wish them the very best in the next stages of the awards,” they added.
The producers emphasized that the journey does not end here. “For us, this is not the end but a step forward. We remain committed to bringing more powerful stories to life and sharing them with the world. Thank you for being part of this journey.”
Laapataa Ladies was directed by Kiran Rao and produced by Aamir Khan and Rao in collaboration with Jio Studios and Kindling Productions. As part of its Oscar campaign, special screenings were hosted in the West to introduce the film to international audiences. While the film’s exclusion from the Oscars shortlist marks a disappointment for Indian cinema, the producers remain optimistic about creating impactful stories for global audiences.
