South Asians at the Oscars: A Night of Artistry, Activism, and Pure Community Joy
The energy at Rideback Ranch in Los Angeles last night was more than just a pre-Oscar celebration; it was a powerful testament to the rising tide of South Asian storytellers. The Fifth Annual South Asians at the Oscars party brought together the heavyweights of film, television, and culture to toast to the 2026 Academy Award nominees and a future that looks brighter (and more inclusive) than ever.
From the moment you stepped into the space, the vibe was undeniably one of community and promise. While the glamour of the red carpet was in full swing, there was a grounded sense of purpose in the air. This wasn’t just about the trophies—it was about the movement.
Honoring the Visionaries
The evening, hosted by a powerhouse lineup including Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Aziz Ansari, and Bela Bajaria, centered on celebrating this year’s incredible nominees. Geeta Gandbhir was a major highlight of the night, recognized for her double nominations for The Perfect Neighbor and The Devil is Busy. Alexandre Singh was also honored for his work on the Live Action Short Film Two People Exchanging Saliva. Joining the celebration of cinematic excellence was Sev Ohanian, one of the producers of the highly anticipated film Sinners.
A Star-Studded Family Reunion
The guest list felt like a “who’s who” of South Asian excellence, bridging the gap between industry icons and the new generation of stars making waves globally.
We spotted Gen-Z icon Avantika Vandanapu, who has been capturing everyone’s hearts since Mean Girls the Musical, looking radiant and chatting with peers. Also in attendance was the absolutely charming Lara Raj, fresh off the global buzz of KATSEYE, representing the massive impact of South Asian talent in the music and girl group space.
Other notable faces included:
- Lilly Singh
- Jay Shetty
- Danny Pudi
- Manish Dayal
- Poorna Jagannathan
- Anjali Bhimani
- Saagar Shaikh
- Anirudh Pisharody
and more!
Beauty with a Purpose: Activism at the Forefront
What truly set this year apart was how the celebration leaned into advocacy. The night served as a fundraiser for CHIRLA (The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights), marking their 40th anniversary.
The activism was woven into the very fabric of the event—literally. Many guests were seen sporting “Ice Out” pins, and the presence of immigration rights pamphlets alongside the curated culinary experience from Tony Roma’s served as a beautiful reminder of the community’s roots and the ongoing fight for a just, inclusive society. It was a night where the “hope in the air” felt tangible, fueled by the idea that these storytellers are finally in a position to tell our stories on our own terms.
The Magic Behind the Scenes
The night wouldn’t have been possible without partners like The Asian American Foundation (TAAF) and UTA. As the sounds of laughter and joy filled the ranch, there was a collective feeling that this fifth year was just the beginning of a much larger legacy.
For more updates and to follow the journey of this year’s nominees, be sure to follow @southasiansattheoscars and use the hashtag #SouthAsiansAtTheOscars.