November 21, 2024: Former U.S. President Barack Obama has once again shared his annual list of favorite movies, books, and music, and this year, a standout film is All We Imagine As Light, directed by Payal Kapadia. The film, which has already garnered critical acclaim, including two nominations at the 82nd annual Golden Globe Awards, tops Obama’s 2024 movie recommendations.
In a post on his X (formerly Twitter) handle, Obama shared a list of films he highly recommends, with All We Imagine As Light securing a place at the top. He described it as one of the best films he watched this year, alongside other films like Denis Villeneuve’s Dune Part 2, Sean Baker’s Anora, Edward Berger’s Conclave, and Malcolm Washington’s The Piano Lesson. The full list includes:
- All We Imagine As Light
- Conclave
- The Piano Lesson
- The Promised Land
- Dune Part Two
- Anora
- Didi
- Sugarcane
- The Complete Unknown
- The Seed of the Sacred Fig
All We Imagine As Light has made waves internationally, with its premiere at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival in the competition section—a historic moment as it was the first Indian film to feature in the festival’s main segment in 30 years. Directed by Payal Kapadia, the film has won several accolades, including the prestigious Grand Prix at Cannes and Best International Film at the New York Film Critics Circle. It also took home the Best International Feature trophy at the Gotham Awards 2024.
The film, an Indo-French co-production, features Kani Kusruti, Divya Prabha, and Chhaya Kadam in pivotal roles. It explores the lives of two women—Prabha, a troubled nurse, and Anu, her young roommate—whose journey of self-discovery and confronting their desires is set against the backdrop of a beach town.
With its poignant narrative and standout performances, All We Imagine As Light has not only earned critical acclaim but also drawn attention to the global appeal of Indian cinema. Obama’s endorsement of the film further highlights its international reach and artistic significance.
