Who Is Payal Kapadia? Indian Filmmaker Who Made History at the Golden Globes 2025
- Payal Kapadia is proving that Indian cinema belongs on the global stage.
- Her Golden Globe nomination is a historic moment for the Indian history.
- 'All We Imagine As Light' is more than a movie—it’s a masterpiece.
Lights, camera, history! The 82nd Golden Globes are shaking things up, and Payal Kapadia is at the center of it all. Haven’t heard her name yet? Read on! The Indian director just snagged a Best Director nomination for her cinematic gem All We Imagine As Light, becoming the second Indian to do so, with the first being Shekar Kapur.
Move over, mainstream Hollywood—it’s time for global cinema to shine. Kapadia’s work has been earning praise around the globe, and it’s easy to see why.
With her bold storytelling and ability to capture the raw beauty of life, she’s creating a space for Indian films on the international stage. But who is Payal Kapadia, and what makes her movie so special? Let’s take a closer look.
Who is Payal Kapadia?
Payal Kapadia is a filmmaker from Mumbai, born in 1986. She graduated from the prestigious Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) and has been creating waves in the film world ever since. Her work often focuses on real, heartfelt stories, and it’s struck a chord with audiences everywhere.
Her first big success came in 2017 when her short film, Afternoon Clouds, was selected for the Cannes Film Festival. This was a major achievement—it was the only Indian film chosen that year.
Then, in 2021, her documentary A Night of Knowing Nothing took the film world by storm. It won the Golden Eye award for Best Documentary at the Cannes Film Festival and received widespread critical acclaim. In 2024, Kapadia reached another milestone with her film All We Imagine As Light.
Payal Kapadia’s Golden Globe Nomination
The Golden Globe Awards have always been a big deal in the entertainment world, and this year is no exception. Payal Kapadia’s nomination for Best Director (Motion Picture) is groundbreaking.
She is the first Indian filmmaker to be nominated in this category for an Indian film, making her achievement even more special. Her film, All We Imagine As Light, is also nominated for Best Motion Picture—Non-English Language. With two nominations, the film is getting the attention it truly deserves.
The 38-year-old is competing with some big names in the industry, like Jacques Audiard (Emilia Perez), Sean Baker (Anora), and Brady Corbet (The Brutalist). But she’s holding her own among these international heavyweights.
When asked about her nomination, Kapadia was humble and grateful. She thanked the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA) and credited her team for their passion and hard work, saying (per Deccan Herald):
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. To everyone in India, All We Imagine as Light is still in theaters—please go watch it.
The film isn’t just gaining attention at the Golden Globes. It has already won major awards, like Best International Film at the Gotham Awards and Best International Feature at the New York Film Critics Circle.
This movie also earned her the Grand Prix at Cannes, a historic win for an Indian director. It’s safe to say she’s been on a steady rise, breaking barriers and setting new standards for Indian filmmakers. The director’s success is no accident—she’s earned it every step of the way.
What is All We Imagine As Light About?
This film is as beautiful as its title suggests. It tells the story of three women navigating complicated relationships and dealing with the challenges of modern life. The film paints a raw, honest picture of friendship, resilience, and empowerment. It’s deep but never dull.
The cast includes talented actors Kani Kusruti, Divya Prabha, and Chhaya Kadam. Their performances are powerful and feel incredibly real, drawing audiences into the emotional core of the story.
The movie looks absolutely gorgeous! It perfectly captures the crazy hustle of city life and the peaceful vibe of rural India. This blend really shows the characters’ two worlds and makes their stories even deeper.
Critics have praised the film for its authentic storytelling and emotional depth, calling it “lyrical” and “meditative.” No doubt, this is why it has received a straight 100% on the Tomatometer on Rotten Tomatoes. It’s a movie that doesn’t just entertain—it makes you think and feel deeply.
