Another Blow For Payal Kapadia As She Loses Best Director Award To Brady Corbet

January 6, 2025: The 2025 Golden Globe Awards ended on a disappointing note for Indian fans, as All We Imagine As Light, directed by Payal Kapadia, lost both of its nominations. The film, which had generated significant buzz following its selection in the prestigious Competition section at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, was nominated for Best Director (Payal Kapadia) and Best Non-English Language Motion Picture.

In the Best Director category, Payal Kapadia was up against tough competition from accomplished directors like Brady Corbet (The Brutalist), Jacques Audiard (Emilia Perez), Sean Baker (Anora), Edward Berger (Conclave), and Coralie Fargeat (The Substance). Ultimately, Brady Corbet took home the award for The Brutalist.

Kapadia’s All We Imagine As Light also failed to win in the Best Non-English Language Motion Picture category, which was awarded to Emilia Perez. Despite the losses, Payal Kapadia appeared gracious and was seen cheering for the other winners with a smile, embodying a positive spirit. She attended the ceremony wearing a handwoven silk black jumpsuit from designer Payal Khandwala, which featured a striking pop of red.

The film stars Kani Kusruti, Divya Prabha, Chhaya Kadam, Anand Sami, and Hridhu Haroon and is currently streaming on Disney+ Hotstar. The plot follows Prabha, a troubled nurse, and her young roommate Anu, as they confront their desires during a trip to a beach town. Despite not winning at the Golden Globes, All We Imagine As Light garnered significant attention, being the first Indian film to make it to the competition section at Cannes in 30 years.

For Kapadia, the Golden Globe nomination itself was a historic achievement. She became the first Indian director to be nominated for Best Director at the Golden Globes, a milestone that has made Indians proud despite the loss. In her statement after the nomination, she expressed her gratitude, saying, “I’m deeply honoured by this nomination and grateful to the HFPA for this recognition. This is a celebration of everyone who worked so passionately on the film.” She also urged Indian audiences to support the film in theaters.

The Golden Globes 2025, which aired live in India on Lionsgate Play, continued to spotlight Indian cinema’s global presence, following the previous year’s victory of Naatu Naatu from SS Rajamouli’s RRR, which won Best Original Song. However, RRR also lost out to Argentina, 1985 in the Best Picture – Non-English category in 2023.

While Kapadia’s film did not claim any Golden Globes this year, the recognition it received on the international stage has undeniably marked a golden moment in Indian cinema.