Indian filmmaker Payal Kapadia’s film, All We Imagine As Light, failed to win an award at the 82nd Golden Globe Awards held on January 5. Despite being a strong contender, the film lost in both of its nominated categories: Best Director (Motion Picture) and Best Motion Picture (Non-English Language).
In the Best Motion Picture – Non-English Language category, All We Imagine As Light was defeated by Emilia Pérez, a 2024 Spanish-language French musical crime comedy written and directed by Jacques Audiard. While Kapadia’s film didn’t secure a win, it achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first Indian film ever to be nominated in this category at the Golden Globes.
Kapadia’s loss in the Best Director category also marked a setback, as she was outpaced by Brady Corbet, who won for his film The Brutalist. However, Kapadia’s nomination placed her in elite company, as she became only the second Indian director to be nominated in the Best Director category at the Golden Globes, following in the footsteps of Shekhar Kapur, who earned a nomination for the English film Elizabeth.
The Golden Globe ceremony, held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in California, attracted attention from the global film industry. Despite not claiming a win, Kapadia’s work continues to garner international acclaim, with critics and audiences praising her distinctive storytelling approach. Furthermore, Kapadia’s presence at the Golden Globes red carpet was a moment of cultural celebration. She wore a striking black silk jumpsuit designed by Payal Khandwala, known for her understated luxury and contemporary design. The outfit, from Khandwala’s Autumn-Winter 2024 collection, was made from ethically sourced handwoven matka silk from Eastern India. Featuring intricate brocade detailing on the pockets and a signature loop neck, the jumpsuit combined traditional Indian textiles with a modern, elegant silhouette.
All We Imagine As Light is an Indo-French co-production that stars Kani Kusruti, Divya Prabha, and Hridhu Haroon. The film explores deep themes of personal struggle and emotional awakening, focusing on the lives of a nurse named Prabha and her roommate, Anu, as they navigate their desires during a trip to a beach town. The film made headlines last year when it became the first Indian film in three decades to be entered into the competition section at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival, where it won the Grand Prix, one of the event’s highest honors.
In addition to the Golden Globe nominations, All We Imagine As Light continues to build momentum internationally. It has been longlisted for three categories at the upcoming 2025 British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) Awards, further solidifying its global recognition. The film is part of the longlist for Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Film Not in the English Language. The BAFTA longlist was revealed on January 3, marking another important milestone for the film.
Although All We Imagine As Light did not win the Golden Globe, Payal Kapadia’s filmmaking continues to resonate with audiences worldwide. Her innovative storytelling and thoughtful exploration of human emotions have earned her a spot among the most respected voices in international cinema. The film’s historic Golden Globe nomination, along with its growing recognition at other prestigious awards, marks the beginning of an exciting chapter for Kapadia, promising even more success on the global stage in the years to come.
Kapadia’s All We Imagine As Light has proven itself as not only a critical success but also a cultural milestone, representing the richness of Indian cinema on the international stage.