Los Angeles saw a night of cinematic triumphs at the 97th Academy Awards on March 2, 2025, but India’s hopes for a win dimmed as Anuja, a New Delhi-set short film, lost the Best Live Action Short Oscar to the Dutch sci-fi I’m Not a Robot. Backed by heavyweights Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Guneet Monga, Anuja had stirred global buzz, yet it couldn’t clinch the coveted statuette at the Dolby Theatre.
I’m Not a Robot Takes the Prize
The winning film, I’m Not a Robot, directed by Victoria Warmerdam, offers a fresh sci-fi twist. It follows Max, a character plunged into an existential crisis after failing an online CAPTCHA test, suspecting he might be a robot. The Dutch-language short captivated the Academy, outshining a competitive field that included A Lien, The Last Ranger, and The Man Who Could Not Remain Silent. Warmerdam’s innovative storytelling secured her the win, marking a standout moment at the 2025 Oscars.
Anuja: A Heartfelt Contender
Directed by Adam J. Graves and Suchitra Mattai, Anuja tells the poignant tale of a nine-year-old girl, played by Sajda Pathan, facing a life-defining choice between education and factory work alongside her sister, portrayed by Ananya Shanbhag. Set against the gritty backdrop of New Delhi, the film shines a light on the resilience of young girls worldwide. Despite its loss, its nomination alone highlighted its emotional depth and universal appeal, amplified by its availability on Netflix.
A Star-Studded Production
Anuja boasted an impressive lineup of producers, including two-time Oscar winner Guneet Monga, actor-producer Priyanka Chopra Jonas, and Hollywood’s Mindy Kaling. The film’s collaboration with the Salaam Baalak Trust, a nonprofit aiding street children, and Shine Global added a layer of social impact. Chopra had praised its storytelling power, calling it a “beautiful reminder of love, family, and resilience” in a pre-Oscars statement, underscoring the passion behind the project.
A Night of High Stakes
Hosted by comedian Conan O’Brien, whose quips included a surprising Hindi greeting, the 97th Academy Awards aired live in India via JioHotstar and Star Plus. The Best Live Action Short category showcased diverse narratives, from war-torn defiance to technological paranoia, making I’m Not a Robot’s victory a testament to its unique lens on identity and artificial intelligence. For Anuja, the nomination marked a significant milestone, even if the win slipped away.
India’s Oscar Journey Continues
While Anuja didn’t bring home the gold, its journey to the Oscars—backed by Chopra, Monga, and a global streaming platform—signals India’s growing footprint in international cinema. As the night unfolded at the Dolby Theatre, the loss stung, but the film’s resonance with audiences and critics alike ensures its legacy endures beyond the awards season.