Priyanka Chopra Backed ‘Anuja’ Loses Out at the Oscars 2025 Race
Updated on: 03 March, 2025 02:07 PM IST |Amruta Karulkar

Still from Anuja
At the 97th Academy Awards, the Indian short film `Anuja` competed in the Best Live Action Short Film category but ultimately lost to the Dutch film `I`m Not a Robot.` Despite its loss, `Anuja` has garnered significant attention for its poignant storytelling and notable production team.
When Anuja receives a rare opportunity to attend school, she faces a heartbreaking decision that could alter the futures of both herself and her sister. The film delves into themes of familial responsibility, the pursuit of education, and the challenges faced by young girls in similar circumstances worldwide.
The film boasts an impressive lineup of producers, including Bollywood actress Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Oscar-winning producer Guneet Monga Kapoor. Other notable contributors are Mindy Kaling, Suchitra Mattai (Graves` wife), Krushan Naik, and Aaron Kopp.
Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Anita Bhatia served as executive producers, lending their support to amplify the film`s reach and impact. This collaboration among prominent figures in the entertainment industry underscores the project`s significance and the universal appeal of its narrative.
Also Read: Priyanka Chopra Shares A Shocking Throwback Of Her Transformation; See Pics
The award ultimately went to `I`m Not a Robot,` a sci-fi short film written and directed by Victoria Warmerdam. This Dutch-language film tells the story of a music producer who begins to question her humanity after repeatedly failing online CAPTCHA tests designed to differentiate humans from bots. The film explores themes of artificial intelligence, self-determination, and bodily autonomy.
Also Read: Anora to Moonlight: 7 Low-Budget Oscar Winning Films
While it did not secure the Oscar, `Anuja` has succeeded in shedding light on critical social issues and has sparked conversations about child labour and the transformative power of education.
Also Read: Oscars 2025: Best Red-Carpet Looks
Anuja: A Tale of Resilience and Hope
`Anuja` is a 22-minute Hindi-language short film directed by American filmmaker Adam J. Graves. The narrative centres on a gifted nine-year-old girl named Anuja, portrayed by Sajda Pathan, who works in a garment factory in Delhi alongside her sister, Palak, played by Ananya Shanbhag.When Anuja receives a rare opportunity to attend school, she faces a heartbreaking decision that could alter the futures of both herself and her sister. The film delves into themes of familial responsibility, the pursuit of education, and the challenges faced by young girls in similar circumstances worldwide.
The film boasts an impressive lineup of producers, including Bollywood actress Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Oscar-winning producer Guneet Monga Kapoor. Other notable contributors are Mindy Kaling, Suchitra Mattai (Graves` wife), Krushan Naik, and Aaron Kopp.
Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Anita Bhatia served as executive producers, lending their support to amplify the film`s reach and impact. This collaboration among prominent figures in the entertainment industry underscores the project`s significance and the universal appeal of its narrative.
Also Read: Priyanka Chopra Shares A Shocking Throwback Of Her Transformation; See Pics
Oscar Journey and Competition
`Anuja` was among five nominees in the Best Live Action Short Film category at the 2025 Oscars. The other contenders included `Alien,` `I`m Not a Robot,` `The Last Ranger,` and `A Man Who Would Not Remain Silent.`The award ultimately went to `I`m Not a Robot,` a sci-fi short film written and directed by Victoria Warmerdam. This Dutch-language film tells the story of a music producer who begins to question her humanity after repeatedly failing online CAPTCHA tests designed to differentiate humans from bots. The film explores themes of artificial intelligence, self-determination, and bodily autonomy.
Also Read: Anora to Moonlight: 7 Low-Budget Oscar Winning Films
About Anuja
For those interested in viewing `Anuja,` the film is currently streaming on Netflix. Its availability on a global platform has allowed audiences worldwide to engage with its compelling story. The film has been praised for its authentic portrayal of the struggles faced by young girls in developing countries and the importance of education as a means of empowerment.While it did not secure the Oscar, `Anuja` has succeeded in shedding light on critical social issues and has sparked conversations about child labour and the transformative power of education.
Also Read: Oscars 2025: Best Red-Carpet Looks
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