Los Angeles, USA | March 3, 2025- The New Delhi-based short film “Anuja” fell short of winning the Best Live Action Short Oscar at the 97th Academy Awards, with the prestigious award going to the Dutch sci-fi film “I’m Not a Robot” on Sunday night at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. Despite its powerful narrative and notable backing from Indian cinema luminaries like Priyanka Chopra Jonas and two-time Oscar winner Guneet Monga, “Anuja” couldn’t overcome the innovative appeal of its competitor in a tightly contested category.
Directed by Adam J. Graves and Suchitra Mattai, “Anuja” follows the story of a gifted nine-year-old girl, portrayed by Sajda Pathan, who must choose between pursuing her education or joining her sister Palak, played by Ananya Shanbhag, in a garment factory—a decision that will shape their futures. The film, streaming on Netflix, gained critical acclaim at festivals like HollyShorts and Montclair, earning its spot among nominees that included “A Lien,” “The Last Ranger,” and “The Man Who Could Not Remain Silent.” Its producers, including Hollywood’s Mindy Kaling, had positioned it as a heartfelt ode to resilience and sisterhood.
“I’m Not a Robot,” written and directed by Victoria Warmerdam, took home the Oscar with its quirky sci-fi premise about a man grappling with an existential crisis after failing a CAPTCHA test, believing he might be a robot. Premiering at the Netherlands Film Festival in 2023, the Dutch-language film impressed Academy voters with its fresh take on identity and technology, outshining “Anuja” and its fellow nominees. The win marked a triumph for international storytelling at the 2025 Oscars, held on March 2.
Though “Anuja” didn’t secure the golden statuette, its nomination was a milestone for Indian cinema, representing the country’s sole contender at this year’s awards. Priyanka Chopra Jonas, an executive producer, had earlier praised the film, saying, “It’s a beautiful reminder of the power of storytelling—how it can shine a light on love, family, and resilience.” While the loss stung, the film’s journey to the Oscars highlighted its impact, leaving its team and supporters proud of its global resonance as the ceremony concluded.