Geeta Gandbhir, an Indian-American filmmaker, is making headlines after securing two Oscar nominations at the 98th Academy Awards in 2026. This rare feat places her among the leading documentary contenders of this awards cycle. Gandbhir's nominations span two categories: Best Documentary Feature Film for "The Perfect Neighbor" and Best Documentary Short for "The Devil Is Busy".
Born in Boston, Massachusetts, on September 18, 1970, to Indian parents who immigrated to the United States in the 1960s, Gandbhir's work often highlights social justice, power dynamics, and systemic inequities. She studied visual art with a focus on animation at Harvard University. Gandbhir's siblings are also accomplished in their respective fields; her sister, Una S. Gandbhir, is a superior court judge in Alaska, and her brother, Ashwin Gandbhir, is also a filmmaker and editor.
Gandbhir began her film career in narrative film, working with Spike Lee and Sam Pollard before transitioning to documentary filmmaking. Her early experiences shaped her approach to non-fiction storytelling. She collaborated with the Coen Brothers and Robert Altman during her 11 years in scripted film.
"The Perfect Neighbor," one of Gandbhir's nominated films, examines the 2023 fatal shooting of Ajike Owens in Ocala, Florida. The film uses police body-camera footage to reconstruct the events and explores themes of neighborhood conflict, racial tension, self-defense claims, and legal debates surrounding "stand your ground" laws. Gandbhir's connection to the story is personal; Ajike Owens was her sister-in-law's best friend. Gandbhir's goal with "The Perfect Neighbor" is to connect audiences with the film's participants and promote resistance to racist and dangerous laws. The film premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival, where Gandbhir won the Directing Award.
"The Devil Is Busy," co-directed with Christalyn Hampton, follows Tracii, the head of security at a women's healthcare clinic in Atlanta, Georgia. The film portrays Tracii's efforts to ensure the safety of patients and staff amid tighter abortion restrictions and persistent protests.
Gandbhir's previous work includes editing the Spike Lee-produced HBO documentary, "If God Is Willing and da Creek Don't Rise," which won a 2010 Peabody Award. She was also part of the filmmaking team for the PBS film series "Asian Americans," which won a 2020 Peabody Award. Her short film "Through Our Eyes: Apart" from the HBO series won a 2022 Emmy Award for Outstanding Short Documentary. In 2023, she directed and executive produced "Born in Synanon," a documentary series for Paramount+. In 2025, Gandbhir also directed and executive produced "Katrina: Come Hell and High Water" alongside Spike Lee and Samantha Knowles for Netflix.
Gandbhir's career is marked by a focus on documentaries that address pressing social issues. Her ability to combine sharp storytelling with emotional depth has earned her numerous accolades, including Emmy and Peabody Awards. With two Oscar nominations in 2026, Gandbhir is recognized as a prominent voice in documentary filmmaking, tackling urgent issues and prompting important conversations.
