Anuja’s Oscar Nomination Sparks Controversy: Vinta Nanda Questions Credit Practices
TV producer Vinta Nanda recently took to Instagram to critique the Oscar nomination system, expressing her frustration with how prominent names like Priyanka Chopra or Guneet Monga overshadow the original creators in film credits. She wrote, “Systems are so flawed now. Curators walk away with the Oscar nominations and awards as producers, and the struggle of the artists and their producers is completely eclipsed. What kind of a world are we living in?” This bold statement attracted widespread attention, including remarks from filmmaker-actor Ananth Mahadevan, who blamed the influence of connections and networking for these issues.
Nanda’s comments were centered around the short film Anuja, which has earned a nomination for Best Live Action Short at the 97th Academy Awards. The film is a collaboration between philosopher-turned-filmmaker Adam J. Graves and his wife, South Asian visual artist Suchitra Mattai. While the film’s nomination is a proud moment, Vinta highlighted an issue with the crediting process, calling out how renowned figures like Guneet Monga and Priyanka Chopra Jonas dominate the producers’ list despite joining the project later.
Speaking to News18, Nanda elaborated, “The producers of Anuja like Suchitra Mattai are featured nowhere near Guneet Monga (Kapoor) and Priyanka Chopra (Jonas). Theirs are the first two names featured in the list of producers. I’m sure Anuja is a brilliant film, much like The Elephant Whisperers. But it’s becoming a norm year after year that after a film gets made, well-recognisable names with great networks suddenly come and become producers.”
Nanda’s critique sheds light on a growing trend in the film industry. She explained that these high-profile names act more as curators, handling marketing, festival submissions, and lobbying efforts. “Technically, they aren’t the producers. They shouldn’t be going up on the stage and collecting those awards. The team that has actually produced the film deserves that honor,” she argued.
While acknowledging the individual brilliance of Guneet and Priyanka, Nanda questioned why festivals seek the approval of such figures. “Why should festivals be seeking their approval? They think the media won’t give them coverage if Priyanka Chopra doesn’t come on top of the product? What’s happening in the bargain is that real writers, directors, and producers don’t come into notice,” she lamented.
The Story Behind Anuja: A Glimpse Into the Film’s Journey
The film Anuja tells a poignant story about a young girl navigating life’s challenges. Anuja, portrayed by Sajda Pathan, works in a garment factory in Delhi alongside her sister Palak (Ananya Shanbhag). When faced with a life-altering decision, Anuja shoulders the responsibility of her family’s future, highlighting the resilience of young girls worldwide.
Directed by Adam J. Graves, Anuja premiered on August 17, 2024, at the HollyShorts Film Festival. It features a strong ensemble cast, including Nagesh Bhonsle, and showcases the collaborative efforts of several producers, including Suchitra Mattai, who also served as a visual artist on the project. The nomination places Anuja among five finalists, competing against Alien, I’m Not a Robot, The Last Ranger, and A Man Who Would Not Remain Silent.
The film’s production saw Guneet Monga and Priyanka Chopra Jonas joining as executive producers later in its journey, bringing additional visibility and resources to the project. However, Nanda’s concerns spotlight the underlying inequities in the crediting and recognition process, sparking a much-needed conversation about the dynamics of influence and acknowledgment in the film industry.
