Media365
Oscars 2025 concluded on a successful note with Sean Baker’s Anora stealing the spotlight by winning the Best Film Award. The 97th Academy Awards were held at the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood. Conan O’Brien gave a brief shoutout to Indians. However, Anuja, a short film set in New Delhi and backed by Priyanka Chopra and Guneet Monga, lost the Live Action Short Category award to the Dutch-language film I’m Not a Robot.
Anuja missed out on the Best Live Action Short Film award, which was won by the Dutch-language sci-fi film I’m Not a Robot.
Written and directed by Victoria Warmerdam, I’m Not a Robot follows Max as he spirals into an existential crisis after failing an online CAPTCHA test, prompting him to question if he might actually be a robot.
The category also included strong contenders such as A Lien, The Last Ranger, and The Man Who Could Not Remain Silent.
Directed by Adam J. Graves and Suchitra Mattai, Anuja tells the story of a gifted nine-year-old girl who must decide between continuing her education or working in a factory with her sister. Starring Sajda Pathan and Ananya Shanbhag, the film highlights the struggles of children in underprivileged communities.
The film got attention with executive producers Guneet Monga, a two-time Oscar winner, and global icon Priyanka Chopra Jonas. It also had the support of Hollywood writer-actor Mindy Kaling as a producer.
Anuja was created in collaboration with the Salaam Baalak Trust (SBT), a nonprofit founded by filmmaker Mira Nair’s family to aid street and working children. Produced by Shine Global and Krushan Naik Films, the project underscores its commitment to social impact.
The film Anuja is now streaming on Netflix, bringing it to audiences across the globe. The 97th Academy Awards, hosted by Conan O’Brien, were broadcast live in India on JioHotstar and Star Plus from the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
