Two Tamil films — Tourist Family and Gevi — have officially entered the race for the Best Picture category at the 98th Academy Awards (Oscars 2026), much to the excitement of Indian cinema fans. The films are now included in the list of international feature films eligible for Oscar consideration.
Tourist Family, directed by debut filmmaker Abishan Jeevinth and starring Sasikumar, Simran, MS Bhaskar, Yogi Babu, and others, has been widely appreciated by audiences and critics alike since its theatrical release. The feel-good family entertainer, produced by Million Dollar Studios and MRP Entertainment, debuted on May 1 and later streamed on JioHotstar.
The survival drama Gevi, directed by Tamil Dhayalan and produced by Artuptriangles Film Kampany, is inspired by true events and set against the dramatic landscapes of the Western Ghats. The film’s compelling narrative of survival and justice has earned it a place in the Academy Screening Room, making it eligible for awards consideration.
Both films now compete alongside other Indian titles — such as Kantara: Chapter 1, Mahavatar Narsimha and Tanvi The Great — on the Academy’s long list of eligible features for the Best Picture category. Final nominations are expected to be announced on January 22, 2026, ahead of the Oscars ceremony later in March.
The inclusion of Tourist Family and Gevi reflects the growing global reach of Indian cinema and highlights the diversity of storytelling emerging from the Tamil film industry.