Deepika Padukone has once again made headlines with her heartfelt comments about the snubbing of Indian cinema at the prestigious Academy Awards. In a recent behind-the-scenes video shared on her social media, the actress, while preparing for a Louis Vuitton show in Paris, expressed her deep disappointment over how several deserving Indian films have been overlooked by the Oscars over the years.
Reflecting on the emotional win for the song "Naatu Naatu" from the film RRR, which won the Oscar for Best Original Song in 2023, Deepika stated, "India has been robbed of the Oscars many times. Many, many deserving movies I feel like have got snubbed. Whether it's movies, whether it's talent… But I remember being in the audience and when they announced RRR, I got emotional. Outside of being an Indian I had really nothing to do with that movie but that was a huge, huge moment. That felt very, very personal." Her words resonate with many fans and filmmakers who have similarly felt overlooked by the Academy.
During the video, Deepika revealed her joy at the recognition of actor Adrien Brody, who took home his second acting Oscar for his role in the historical epic The Brutalist at this year's Oscars (2025). She expressed her happiness saying, "Yeah, I'm very happy for Adrien Brody." Brody, known for his poignant performances, won his first Oscar in 2003 for The Pianist.
Deepika's video not only reinforces her affection for her fellow actors but also highlights a growing conversation within the Indian film industry regarding the recognition of its talent on global platforms. The actress pointed out how films like All We Imagine As Light and Laapataa Ladies, despite receiving critical acclaim, were left off the nominations list this year. This ongoing trend of snubbing has left many in the industry and fans feeling heartfelt discontent.
The emotional aspect of Deepika's message reflects a broader sentiment among Indian audiences who have long felt that the Academy Awards have not fully recognized the rich storytelling and immense talent found in Indian cinema. The impact of RRR, directed by SS Rajamouli, has been profound, as the film not only won an Oscar but also connected with audiences worldwide, especially with its iconic song.
Deepika further lamented the lack of significant nominations for Indian films this year, stating, "Many deserving movies, I feel, just get snubbed. Whether it's movies or talent." This observation resonates particularly strongly following the mixed feelings that arose from this year's Oscars and the mixed success of previous Indian nominations.
Looking back, the emotional high of 2023 when RRR won its Oscar for Best Original Song stands out in stark contrast to the feelings of loss experienced this year. Though films like Anora did exceptionally well, garnering five Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Actress for Mikey Madison at the 2025 ceremony, the absence of Indian films in the citation for international potential left many yearning for a more inclusive recognition process.
Reflecting on all these accomplishments and the pride that comes with them, Deepika remains hopeful for the future of Indian cinema. With a rising global audience and films that continue to impress on various platforms, the potential for future nominations seems plausible.
In her candid reflections, Deepika Padukone has initiated a vital conversation regarding recognition in film, art, and culture, emphasizing the need for inclusivity and appreciation of talent regardless of nationality. As she said, RRR wasn't just a win for the film but for a country that often feels sidelined in the realm of celebrated global cinema.
With continued dialogues around representation in award shows, her comments aim to inspire filmmakers and audiences alike to advocate for better representation at the Academy Awards, hoping for a shift in how Indian talent is viewed on such prestigious platforms moving forward.
