Filmmaker Payal Kapadia, though her film *All We Imagine As Light* didn’t win at the 82nd Golden Globe Awards in 2025, has made a significant impact. Her nomination for Best Director in the Motion Picture category alongside esteemed directors like Brady Corbet, Jacques Audiard, and Sean Baker, is a testament to her talent. While she ultimately lost to Corbet for *The Brutalist*, and her film also lost in the Best Motion Picture – Non-English Language category to *Emilia Pérez*, Kapadia’s nomination marks a considerable achievement, particularly considering the lack of representation for Indian female directors at such prestigious events. This global recognition follows a previous Oscar snub from India, making her success even more noteworthy.
In a recent roundtable discussion with The Hollywood Reporter, Kapadia expanded on her views of cinema, offering a refreshing perspective. When asked if platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels constitute cinema, she emphatically responded, “Yes!” She argued that cinema is diverse, encompassing everything from mainstream blockbusters to low-budget independent films and even social media content. She eloquently stated, “It’s so wonderful to see this diversity. We need to be open about what cinema is; it’s diverse, giving accessibility to people previously denied it. They’re making what we call ‘content,’ but for me, it can be very cinematic.” This inclusive viewpoint highlights her commitment to broadening the definition of filmmaking and acknowledging the democratizing power of accessible technology.
Kapadia’s nomination underscores the significance of her work and her film’s recognition on a global stage. This success is particularly impactful considering the ongoing challenges faced by women in the male-dominated film industry. As she previously stated in an interview with News18, “There’s a lot of work to be done. We need more women in all departments… We need more representation.” Her journey, therefore, serves as an inspiration, demonstrating the power of perseverance and talent in overcoming systemic barriers. *All We Imagine As Light*, released in Indian theaters on November 22, 2024, continues to resonate with audiences and critics alike.