December 10, 2024: New Delhi: Filmmakers Hansal Mehta, Kiran Rao, and actor Anil Kapoor have joined the chorus of celebration after Payal Kapadia’s acclaimed film All We Imagine As Light secured two prestigious nominations at the 2025 Golden Globe Awards.
The Malayalam-Hindi film, which marks Kapadia’s feature directorial debut, has been nominated for Best Motion Picture – Non-English Language and Best Direction – Motion Picture, making it a landmark moment for Indian cinema.
A Trailblazer in Indian Cinema
All We Imagine As Light made history earlier this year by becoming the first Indian film to win the Grand Prix Award at the Cannes Film Festival. The story follows two nurses, Prabha and Anu, navigating life and love in Mumbai alongside their friend and cook, Parvaty.
Hansal Mehta, a vocal supporter of the film, took to X (formerly Twitter) to share the nomination announcement. “India’s official selection for the Oscars secures 2 nominations at the Golden Globes: Best Non-English Language Film and Best Director for All We Imagine As Light and Payal Kapadia,” he wrote, celebrating the milestone with enthusiasm.
Kiran Rao, director of Laapataa Ladies—India’s official entry for the Oscars—expressed her joy on Instagram. “Christmas has come early this year! Brava Payal!” Rao wrote, highlighting the dual triumph.
Widespread Appreciation
Actor Anil Kapoor, who previously starred in the Golden Globe-winning Slumdog Millionaire, hailed the recognition as monumental. “This is a proud moment for Indian cinema and Payal Kapadia’s storytelling brilliance,” he posted on X.
Rana Daggubati, whose Spirit Media distributed All We Imagine As Light in Indian theaters, also celebrated the moment, sharing the news on his Instagram Stories with celebratory emojis.
The official Instagram page of the film dedicated its Best Direction nomination to “everyone who poured their hearts into making this film.” The statement also expressed gratitude for being in the company of extraordinary global films, including Emilia Perez, The Girl with the Needle, and The Seed of the Sacred Fig.
Golden Streak Continues
Kapadia’s film has enjoyed a remarkable winning streak, clinching accolades like the Best International Feature at the Gotham Awards, New York Film Critics Circle, and being named the best film of 2024 by Sight and Sound magazine.
The nominations come two years after SS Rajamouli’s RRR earned its own Golden Globe nods, winning for Best Song (Naatu Naatu) and later making history as the first Indian production to claim an Oscar for Best Original Song.
Kapadia now joins a rare list of Indian filmmakers recognised at the Golden Globes, following Shekhar Kapur (Elizabeth) and Mira Nair (Salaam Bombay and Monsoon Wedding).
The 2025 Golden Globe Awards will take place on January 5 in Los Angeles and will stream live in India on Lionsgate Play.
This landmark recognition highlights the growing global impact of Indian cinema and the unique narratives it continues to bring to the forefront of international film.
