Indian-origin director Geeta Gandbhir returns empty handed after double Oscar nomination

At the 98th edition of the Academy Awards, filmmaker Geeta Gandbhir walked into Hollywood’s most prestigious night carrying an extraordinary distinction. She had earned two nominations across separate documentary categories, a rare achievement that highlighted her growing influence in nonfiction cinema. Although the evening ultimately did not end with a trophy for the director, her presence alone marked a significant milestone. Gandbhir became the first female filmmaker to receive nominations in both Best Documentary Feature and Best Documentary Short during the same year, placing her among the most remarkable nominees of the ceremony. Despite the historic accomplishment, both categories were eventually claimed by competing films.

A Short Documentary That Drew Attention

One of Gandbhir’s nominated projects was the short documentary The Devil Is Busy, which she co-directed with filmmaker Christalyn Hampton. The film was shortlisted in the Best Documentary Short category alongside several other compelling works, including All the Empty Rooms, Armed Only with a Camera: The Life and Death of Brent Renaud, Children No More: Were and Are Gone, and Perfectly a Strangeness. When the winner was announced, the Oscar went to All the Empty Rooms, bringing Gandbhir’s hopes of victory in that category to a close.

Running for just over half an hour, The Devil Is Busy centers on the life of Tracii, who works as the chief of security at a women’s healthcare clinic located in Atlanta. The documentary offers a powerful glimpse into a single day of her routine as she safeguards both employees and patients. During this time, the clinic faces mounting demonstrations and stricter abortion regulations, creating an atmosphere filled with tension and uncertainty. Through Tracii’s perspective, the film portrays the daily realities of maintaining safety in a highly charged environment.

Competing in the Documentary Feature Category

Gandbhir also earned recognition in the Best Documentary Feature category for directing and producing The Perfect Neighbor. The film was released on the streaming platform Netflix and stood among a group of powerful contenders, including The Alabama Solution, Come See Me in the Good Light, Cutting through Rocks, and Mr. Nobody Against Putin. In the final announcement, Mr. Nobody Against Putin secured the Academy Award, leaving Gandbhir once again without the prize.

The Story Behind The Perfect Neighbor

The documentary The Perfect Neighbor revisits a tragic incident that unfolded in June 2023 in Ocala. The film reconstructs the fatal encounter in which Susan Louise Lorincz, a white woman, shot and killed her Black neighbour Ajike Owens during a confrontation between the two households.

In addition to directing the documentary, Gandbhir also worked as a producer on the project. She collaborated with producers Alisa Payne, Nikon Kwantu, and Sam Bisbee to bring the story to screen.

A Career Built on Powerful Documentary Storytelling

Born in the United States to Indian immigrants who had relocated there during the 1960s, Gandbhir has spent nearly twenty years developing a respected career in documentary filmmaking. Early in her professional journey, she received guidance from celebrated filmmakers Spike Lee and Sam Pollard. Over time, her work has gained critical recognition and earned multiple accolades, including honors from the Emmy Awards and the Peabody Awards.

Among her most influential projects is I Am Evidence, which investigated the massive backlog of untested rape kits across the United States. Another notable documentary, Lowndes County and the Road to Black Power, examined the origins of the Black Power movement. She also directed the Emmy-winning short Through Our Eyes: Apart, further strengthening her reputation as a filmmaker focused on socially relevant subjects.

India’s Presence at This Year’s Oscars

Gandbhir’s double nomination carried particular significance for audiences of Indian heritage. Earlier in the awards season, India’s official submission for the Best International Feature category, Homebound, directed by Neeraj Ghaywan, failed to advance to the shortlist. As a result, Gandbhir became the only nominee of Indian origin associated with this year’s Oscars ceremony. Meanwhile, global star Priyanka Chopra was scheduled to attend the event as one of the presenters, ensuring that India still had a visible presence during the celebrations.