Ahead of Oscars 2024, a quick recap of India's history at the Academy Awards

The 96th Oscars are set for March 10 at the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood. Though there are no Indian movies in the Oscars 2024 contention, India's cinematic brilliance has been acknowledged on the world stage on numerous occasions. Over the years, many Indian filmmakers, actors, and other artists have established their footprint at the celebrated award show.

As the world gears to celebrate excellence in cinema at the Oscars 2024, we are sharing Indians' past achievements at the honorary award show.

1. Bhanu Athaiya

The first Indian to win an Academy Award was Bhanu Athaiya, who bagged Best Costume Design in 1983 for the film ‘Gandhi’. The film, directed by Richard Attenborough, won eight Oscars that year including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor for Ben Kingsley, who played Mahatma Gandhi.

2. Satyajit Ray

Legendary filmmaker Satyajit Ray didn't win a regular Oscar, but he received an honorary Oscar in 1992 for his lifetime achievements in cinema. He is celebrated for works including The Apu Trilogy (1955–1959), The Music Room (1958), The Big City (1963) Charulata (1964) and the Goopy–Bagha trilogy.

3. A. R. Rahman

Music maestro A. R. Rahman, known for his unrivalled contribution to India's music sphere, has won two Oscars for his song 'Jai Ho' and the music score in the movie 'Slumdog Millionaire.'

4. Resul Pookutty

Sound engineer Resul Pookutty won the award for his work on Danny Boyle’s film ‘Slumdog Millionaire’.

5. Gulzar

Celebrated lyricist and filmmaker Gulzar won the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 2008 for 'Jai Ho' from 'Slumdog Millionaire.' His poetic brilliance still echoes on the global stage.

6. MM Keeravani and Chandrabose

The entire country went ‘Naatu Naatu,’ after Rajamouli’s RRR created history by becoming the first Indian feature film to win an Oscar. The film’s ‘Naatu Naatu’ soundtrack by MM Keeravani and Chandrabose was awarded the Best Original Song Award at the ongoing 95th Academy Awards in Los Angeles, United States.

7. Kartiki Gonsalves and Guneet Monga

In 2022, Kartiki Gonsalves, an Indian-American filmmaker, made her first film, 'The Elephant Whisperers.' The film was produced by Guneet Monga's Sikhya Entertainment. The film scripted history by winning Best Documentary Short Film at the 2023 Oscars.

Also read: Oscars 2024: When and where to watch the biggest night celebrating the best of cinema? Know here