As the 98th Academy Awards are all set to take place, film lovers across the world are preparing for Hollywood’s biggest celebration of cinema. Over the decades, India has created several unforgettable moments at the Oscars, earning recognition on the global stage. From historic wins to special honours, these milestones highlight how Indian cinema has slowly gained recognition.

Historic wins that placed India on the Oscar map

India’s first Oscar moment came in 1983, when legendary costume designer Bhanu Athaiya won the Academy Award for Best Costume Design for the film Gandhi. Directed by Richard Attenborough, the film portrayed the life of Mahatma Gandhi and went on to win eight Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Ben Kingsley.

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Years later, music legend A. R. Rahman created another historic moment with the film Slumdog Millionaire. Rahman received three nominations and won two Oscars: Best Original Score and Best Original Song for the global hit “Jai Ho.” The achievement marked a landmark moment for Indian music on the world stage.

Milestones beyond awards

India’s influence at the Oscars goes beyond trophies. In 2010, sound designer Resul Pookutty became the first Indian to serve as a member of the Academy Awards jury, after winning the Oscar for Best Sound Mixing for Slumdog Millionaire in 2009.

Another unforgettable moment came in 1992, when legendary filmmaker Satyajit Ray received an Honorary Oscar for his lifetime contribution to world cinema. Ray delivered his emotional acceptance speech via live video from a hospital bed in Kolkata, making it one of the most memorable moments in Oscar history.

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As the 98th Academy Awards prepare to take place at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, India’s historic Oscar milestones remain a proud reminder of its global cinematic impact. The star-studded ceremony will take place on March 15, 2026, and audiences in India can watch it the next day, March 16, 2026, on JioHotstar. From groundbreaking wins to legendary recognitions, these moments continue to inspire generations of Indian filmmakers and artists.