When filmmaker Payal Kapadia’s first feature film, All We Imagine As Light , won the Grand Prix at Cannes 2024, she became a celebrated name globally. Yet, for the 38-year-old FTII alumna, this success built on a long list of accolades, including the L’Œil d’or (The Golden Eye) Award for her documentary A Night of Knowing Nothing at Cannes 2021. Now, as her feature film readies for release in India on November 22, Kapadia speaks candidly about her journey and the complexities of the Oscar race.
Choosing Laapataa Ladies for the Oscars In a chat with Hindustan Times, she asked about her film All We Imagine As Light not being India’s official submission for the Oscars. Kapadia expressed no disappointment, saying she respects the choice of Laapataa Ladies . “I already got a lot from this film,” she said, adding that it took years of effort and grant-based funding to bring her film to life.
Reflecting on the success of the Cannes selection, she remarked, “For me, the fact that the film got made, it got shown at this really big festival, has been a lot. Anything else I get more than that, I’m like, oh, wow, one more thing.” Discussing the Academy Awards process, Kapadia explained the role of financial support in securing Oscar nominations.
She acknowledged that Laapataa Ladies benefited from strong backing. “That matters in the Oscar race, so in a way, it’s a sensible choice because the Oscar is like a lobby,” she noted. “Having the financial support is a.