Malayalam film '2018' (also known as '2018: Everyone is a Hero') starring Tovino Thomas is India’s official entry for the 2024 Academy Awards, the jury headed by Kannada film director Girish Kasaravalli announced. The film will only be eligible for the award if it finds a place on the nomination list.
'2018: Everyone Is A Hero' narrates the stories of humanity triumphing over adversity set in the backdrop of the 2018 floods that devastated parts of Kerala. In the film, Tovino Thomas essaying a young man who leaves the Indian Army with a fake medical certificate and redeems himself during the floods. The film also stars Asif Ali, Lal, Narain, Kunchacko Boban and Aparna Balamurali in prominent roles.
The film was bankrolled by Venu Kunnappilly, C.K. Padma Kumar and Anto Joseph under the banner of Kavya Film Company and PK Prime Productions. '2018' emerged as a massive hit at the box office and the performances were praised by critics and audiences alike.
The 96th Oscars will air live on ABC on March 10, 2024 in more than 200 territories worldwide from Los Angeles’s Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood.
At Oscars 2023, India made history by winning two awards. India brought home an Oscar for Best Original Song for RRR’s 'Naatu Naatu'. The song was also performed during the Academy Awards show. 'The Elephant Whisperers' was the second Indian title to have won at Oscars. The Kartiki Gonsalves directorial won the Best Documentary (Short Subject).