The global icon pens a heartfelt note as her production venture secures a spot at the 97th Academy Awards.
The 97th Academy Awards, better known as the Oscars 2025, has brought exciting news for Priyanka Chopra and the team behind Anuja. The American-Hindi film, directed by Adam J. Graves, has been officially nominated in the Best Live Action Short Film category. Backed by Priyanka Chopra’s Purple Pebble Pictures alongside Mindy Kaling and Guneet Monga, the project is a celebration of love, family, and resilience—values that deeply resonate with its creators and viewers alike.
Priyanka’s Heartfelt Note of Gratitude
On January 23, 2025, Priyanka Chopra took to Instagram to express her joy and pride over the nomination. As the executive producer of Anuja, Chopra shared her excitement, congratulating the team for their incredible achievement.
“Yaaaay! Anuja is heading to the 2025 Oscars as a nominee for Best Live Action Short Film! Incredible! Thank you to @theacademy for the amazing honor,” she began.
She applauded director Adam J. Graves for his artistry in bringing a profound story to life, saying, “Huge congratulations to @adam_j_graves for capturing the essence of love, family, and resilience so beautifully.” Chopra also highlighted the exceptional performances of actresses Sajda Pathan and Ananya Shanbhag, praising their depth and authenticity in portraying the film’s central characters.
“It’s an honor for Purple Pebble Pictures to be a small part of this film’s journey alongside our other partners,” she continued. “Nothing makes me more proud than supporting the courageous storytelling of evocative films like this.”
Chopra’s post resonated with fans worldwide, showcasing her dedication to uplifting diverse stories and voices through her production ventures.
The Journey to the Oscars
The nomination for Anuja is not just a win for its creators but a significant milestone for South Asian representation in global cinema. The Academy announced the nominations for the Live Action Short Film category earlier in the day, with Anuja standing tall alongside other notable contenders such as A Lien, I’m Not A Robot, The Last Ranger, and The Man Who Could Not Remain Silent.
While the nominations brought much joy, Payal Kapadia’s critically acclaimed film All We Imagine As Light narrowly missed securing a spot this year.
A Celebration of Courageous Storytelling
Directed by Adam J. Graves, Anuja tells a deeply emotional story that explores the themes of familial bonds and the strength found in resilience. Its recognition at the Oscars underscores the global appeal and impact of authentic, heartfelt narratives.
For Priyanka Chopra, this nomination is yet another feather in her cap as a global ambassador for meaningful cinema. As a producer, she has continually sought to champion bold, evocative stories, and Anuja is a testament to her commitment.
The Road Ahead
The winners of the Oscars 2025 will be revealed at a grand ceremony later this year. As Anuja vies for the coveted award, it continues to inspire audiences around the world with its powerful story and representation of cultural depth.
With Priyanka Chopra at the helm of its journey, Anuja stands as a beacon of hope and pride for South Asian storytellers in Hollywood and beyond.
