The prestigious Academy Awards (Oscar Award) is one of the biggest celebrations of global cinema. The 98th Academy Awards is all set to take place on 16 March 2026, and fans around the world are eagerly waiting to see which stars will grace the stage. Over the years, several Indian celebrities have also presented awards at the Oscars.
Interestingly, a few Indian stars had represented the country on the Oscar stage. Priyanka Chopra, who already made her debut as an Oscar presenter in 2016 at the 88th Academy Awards and became one of the most talked-about Indian stars in Oscar, is once again all set to represent India as an Oscar presenter in 2026.
Here is a list of Indian stars who have presented Oscars in history and represented India on the international stage.
Sharmila Tagore – 1978
Legendary actress Sharmila Tagore was another Indian star who presented at the Oscars before Priyanka Chopra. She appeared as a presenter at the 50th Academy Awards. At the time, she was already an iconic figure in Indian cinema, and her appearance on the international stage highlighted the growing recognition of Indian talent.
Persis Khambatta – 1980
Actress Persis Khambatta was among the first Indian celebrities to present an award at the Oscars. She appeared as a presenter at the 52nd Academy Awards. Persis gained international fame for her role in the Hollywood film Star Trek: The Motion Picture. Her presence at the ceremony marked an early moment of Indian representation at the global film awards.
Kabir Bedi – 1982
Veteran actor Kabir Bedi also had the opportunity to present an award at the Oscars. He appeared at the 54th Academy Awards. Known for his work in both Indian and international projects, Kabir Bedi was already a recognised face globally, which made his presence at the ceremony even more significant.
Deepika Padukone- 2023
In 2023, Deepika Padukone also joined the list of Indian stars who have presented at the Oscars. She appeared as a presenter at the 95th Academy Awards. During the ceremony, Deepika introduced the live performance of the Oscar-winning song Naatu Naatu from the blockbuster film RRR.
Indian Presence at the Oscars
Over the years, the presence of Indian celebrities at the Academy Awards has grown significantly. From Persis Khambatta’s early appearance in the 1980s to Deepika Padukone’s memorable moment in 2023, these stars have proudly represented Indian cinema on the global stage. With the upcoming 2026 Oscars approaching, fans are eager to see which Indian personalities might shine at the event next.