Geeta Gandbhir Earns Two Oscar Nominations at the 98th Academy Awards

Author: Jaya Ravi

Geeta Gandbhir Earns Two Oscar Nominations at the 98th Academy Awards

Indian American filmmaker Geeta Gandbhir captured major awards season attention after earning two nominations at the 98th Academy Awards, announced on January 22, 2026. Recognized in both the feature and short documentary categories, Gandbhir joins a small group of filmmakers honored twice in the same year, a moment that has audiences ready to Celebrate, Explore, Connect! through stories rooted in real life and urgent social themes. Her nominations signal a breakthrough moment, placing documentary filmmaking at the center of this year’s Oscars conversation.


The Perfect Neighbor

Her feature documentary, The Perfect Neighbor, is nominated for Best Documentary Feature Film. The film examines the 2023 shooting of Ajike “AJ” Owens in Ocala, Florida, using police body camera footage and firsthand accounts to present a detailed look at neighborhood conflict and legal accountability. The project premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and later reached a broader audience through streaming, drawing national attention for its direct, structured narrative.

The Devil is Busy

Gandbhir also earned a nomination for Best Documentary Short Film for The Devil Is Busy, which she co-directed with Christalyn Hampton. The short film follows Tracii, the head of security at a women’s healthcare clinic in Atlanta, Georgia, as she manages safety concerns during a single workday. The documentary focuses on the realities faced by clinic staff and patients amid protests and legal pressures, highlighting moments that unfold in real time.

Gandhbir’s Nomination Importance

Industry observers and film communities have responded positively to Gandbhir’s dual nominations, noting the relevance of both projects during the 2026 awards season. The films now advance to the final voting round ahead of the Academy Awards ceremony scheduled for March 15, 2026, in Los Angeles.

Gandbhir’s career spans nearly two decades and includes Emmy and Peabody Award-winning work. Her earlier documentaries, such as I Am Evidence and Lowndes County and the Road to Black Power, established her reputation for tackling social and historical issues with focus and intention. These Oscar nominations reflect years of consistent work in the documentary space.

As the 98th Academy Awards approach, Gandbhir’s recognition reinforces the role of documentary filmmaking in shaping public conversation. Her work invites viewers to Celebrate, Explore, Connect! with stories rooted in lived experience and real-world impact, extending her influence well beyond this awards season.

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Jaya Ravi

Jaya Ravi

Jaya Ravi is the Film and Content Editor based in Seattle, WA, with roots in Chennai. She is an avid fan of Kollywood cinema and stays up-to-date with the latest movies, music, and dance trends. Jaya attended the University of Washington, where she developed an interest in social media and marketing through the American Marketing Association club. She is excited to build off of her previous experience and pursue a career in content marketing. Jaya is an Indian-American on a mission to share her love for both South Asian and American cinema with audiences worldwide. In her free time, she enjoys dancing, painting, and spending time with friends and family.