For those unfamiliar, the Gotham Independent Film Awards is an American ceremony celebrating excellence in independent cinema. For its 34th edition, to be held on December 2, 2024, the organisers announced nominations on October 30. This year, India’s Payal Kapadia has been nominated for Best Director for her film All We Imagine as Light .
The film, which premiered at the 77th Cannes Film Festival and became the first Indian movie to win the Grand Prix award, was unfortunately overlooked by the Indian jury for submission to the Oscars in favour of Kiran Rao's Laapataa Ladies . Ironically, All We Imagine as Light has now also been nominated for Best International Feature Film at the 2024 Gotham Awards. ‘All We Imagine As Light’: Payal Kapadia’s Cannes Grand Prix Award-Winning Film To Release in India on November 22 .
India has yet another reason to celebrate, as Shuchi Talati has received a nomination for Best Breakthrough Director for her film Girls Will Be Girls . This coming-of-age drama, produced by Richa Chadha and Ali Fazal, is gaining recognition globally. Interestingly, actor Kani Kusruti appears in both All We Imagine as Light and Girls Will Be Girls .
Among other nominees, Sean Baker's Anora , which won the Palme d'Or at Cannes, leads with four nominations—the most for any film this year. These include Best Feature Film, Best Director, Outstanding Lead Performance (Mikey Madison), and Outstanding Supporting Performance (Yura Borisov). RaMell Ross's Nickel B.