Over time, Indian cinema has evolved and left its effect across the globe. Interesting concepts, engaging storytelling, spell-bounding performances, musical masterpieces, and everything in between - Indian cinema has to offer this and beyond. With several Indian movies and celebrities being nominated for The Academy Awards, it is proof that our cinematic creations are now leaving a global mark.

With RRR's Naatu Naatu and Kartiki Gonsalves' The Elephant Whisperers bringing home Oscars 2023, let's have a look at the Academy Award journey for Indian filmmakers and cinema. Did you know, we won our first Oscars way back in 1983? Let's tell you the list of Oscar-winning performances that made Indian cinema proud.

1. Bhanu Athaiya - Best Costume Design (1983)

Bhanu won the Academy Award for 'Best Costume Design' for her work in the 1982 release of Gandhi. Two of her artwork were also exhibited at the Progressive Artists' Group show in Mumbai. She worked in over 90 films with some esteemed filmmakers like Guru Dutt, Yash Chopra, B.R. Chopra, Raj Kapoor, Vijay Anand, Raj Khosla, Ashutosh Gowariker, etc.

Internationally, she collaborated with directors like Conrad Rooks (Siddhartha, 1972) and Richard Attenborough (Gandhi, 1982).

2. Satyajit Ray - Honorary Award (1992)

One of the versatile shape-shifters of Indian and Bengali cinema, Satyajit Ray's vision and work were ahead of their time. Recognized for his refined craft, he won the Honorary Oscar for Lifetime Achievement at the 64th Academy Awards in 1992. However, he could not attend the function due to his ill health.


Awarded by Audrey Hepburn, she described Ray's work as a "rare mastery of the art of motion pictures and his profound humanism, which has had an indelible influence on filmmakers and audiences throughout the world."

From the hospital bed, Satyajit Ray said, "It's an extraordinary experience for me to be here tonight to receive this magnificent award, certainly the best achievement of my moviemaking career." The ceremony was held on March 30 and on April 23, Ray breathed his last. His legacy is remembered to date.

3. Resul Pookutty - Best Sound Mixing (2009)

An Indian sound designer, sound editor, and audio mixer, Pookutty won his first Oscar back for his work in the Oscar-winning movie Slumdog Millionaire. He picked up the Oscars at the 81st Academy Awards in 2009 along with Ian Tapp and Richard Pryke.

Resul has engineered sound for various remarkable movies such as Musafir (2004), Zinda (2006), Traffic Signal (2007), Gandhi, My Father (2007), Saawariya (2007), Dus Kahaniyaan, Kerala Varma Pazhassi Raja (2009), and Enthiran (2010).

4. A R Rahman - Best Original Score And Best Original Song (2009)

He is a versatile musician who needs no introduction. A legend on its own, A R Rahman is one of the most respectable music directors of Indian cinema. He won two Oscars - one for Best Original Score and another for Best Original Song for Slumdog Millionaire's 'Jai Ho' in 2009.

In his acceptance speech, Rahman said, "Before coming here I was excited and terrified. The last time I felt that way was when I was getting married. There is a Hindi dialogue, 'mere pass ma hai' which means, even if I have got nothing, I have my mother here. I want to thank her for coming all the way to support me."

5. Gulzar - Best Original Song (2009)

A legendary lyricist, poet, author, and screenwriter, Gulzar needs to introduction. He won the Best Original Song award at the 81st Academy Award for the song 'Jai Ho.' Gulzar Ji has several prestigious awards to his name such as Indian National Film Awards, Filmfare Awards, Academy Awards, Grammy Awards, etc.

6. Naatu Naatu - Best Original Song (2023)

Taking the internet by storm, Naatu Naatu has created a sensation after winning the Oscar for Best Original Song at the 95th Academy Awards. It was even performed live at this year's Oscars by singers Rahul Sipligunj and Kaala Bhairava. Introduced by Deepika Padukone, the Naatu Naatu performance at Oscars 2023 received a standing ovation.

7. Kartiki Gonsalves And Guneet Monga - Best Short Film (2023)

Bringing home India's first Oscar in 2023 is debutant director Kartiki Gonsalves and ace producer Guneet Monga for their short film The Elephant Whisperer. Based on the unbreakable bond between an orphaned baby elephant and his mahout couple, this is the story of Bomman and Bellie who dedicate their lives to protecting Raghu (the elephant) from poachers and raising him.