Priyanka Chopra-backed Anuja loses Best Live Action Short Oscar to I’m Not A Robot

New Delhi: Anuja, which was in the running for the Best Live Action Short award at the 97th Academy Awards ceremony, lost out on the prestigious Oscar on Monday (March 3, 2025). The honour went to the Dutch-language film I’m Not a Robot.

I’m Not a Robot is said to be a science fiction film written and directed by Victoria Warmerdam. Other nominees in the category included A Lien, The Last Ranger and The Man Who Could Not Remain Silent.

Anuja, brought to life by husband-and-wife duo Adam J Graves (director) and Suchitra Mattai (producer), narrates a touching story of two sisters struggling to find joy and opportunity. The powerful short film revolves around a precocious nine-year-old orphan named Anuja, who works in a back-alley garment factory alongside her older sister Palak. Suddenly, she comes across a rare opportunity that will determine the fate of her future and family.

For the unversed, Anuja has been produced in partnership with the Salaam Baalak Trust (SBT), a nonprofit that supports street and working children; SHINE GLOBAL, the production company behind Emmy and Academy Award-winning films such as War/Dance (2007) and Inocente (2012); and Krushan Naik Films. You will be amazed to know that lead actress Sajda Pathan draws authenticity from her own experiences of surviving on the streets of Old Delhi with her sister. She recently found a home with the Salaam Baalak Trust.

Co-produced by Mindy Kaling and Guneet Monga Kapoor, Anuja also has global star Priyanka Chopra Jonas serving as Executive Producer. It is currently streaming on Netflix.

Oscars 2025 host

Hosted by Conan O’Brien, the Oscars 2025 are being live-streamed in India on the digital platform JioHotstar and TV channel Star Plus from the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. Some of the biggest names from the entertainment industry across the globe have graced the event with their presence. The ceremony is presented by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS).