Payal Kapadia's debut fiction feature, All We Imagine as Light, continues to make waves on the international stage. Following its prestigious Grand Prix win at the Cannes Film Festival, the film has now earned the Best International Feature accolade at the 2024 Gotham Awards, celebrating independent cinema. This recognition is especially significant as it marks Kapadia's first foray into narrative filmmaking. During her acceptance speech, she proudly highlighted this milestone, emphasizing that it was her debut film.

Despite its critical success, All We Imagine as Light will not be competing in the Best Foreign Film category at the Oscars this year. Instead, Laapataa Ladies, directed by Kiran Rao, has been chosen as India’s official submission for the Academy Awards. However, Kapadia’s Gotham Award win could potentially enhance her prospects for an Oscar nomination in the Best Director category, underscoring her growing influence in the global film industry.

The 2024 Gotham Awards featured intense competition, with Anora leading the nominations with four nods, and Nickel Boys and I Saw the TV Glow each earning three. Kapadia's film was nominated in two categories, contending against other strong contenders such as His Three Daughters and The Brutalist. Historically, the Gotham Awards have often predicted future Oscar success, with films like The Hurt Locker, Moonlight, and Everything Everywhere All at Once as notable examples.

All We Imagine as Light is currently playing in theaters across India and has resonated strongly with audiences. Its compelling story and stunning visuals have positioned it as a must-watch for cinema lovers worldwide. 

Complete List of Winners at the 2024 Gotham Awards

• Best Feature: A Different Man – Directed by Aaron Schimberg, produced by Gabriel Mayers, Vanessa McDonnell, and Christine Vachon (A24).
• Best International Feature: All We Imagine as Light – Directed by Payal Kapadia, produced by Julien Graff and Thomas Hakim (Sideshow and Janus Films).
• Best Documentary Feature: No Other Land – Directed by Yuval Abraham, Basel Adra, Hamdan Ballal, and Rachel Szor, with producers Fabien Greenberg and Bård Kjøge Rønning (Antipode Films).
• Best Director: RaMell Ross for Nickel Boys (Orion Pictures/Amazon MGM Studios).
• Best Screenplay: Azazel Jacobs for His Three Daughters (Netflix).
• Breakthrough Director: Vera Drew for The People’s Joker (Altered Innocence).
• Outstanding Lead Performance: Colman Domingo in Sing Sing (A24).
• Outstanding Supporting Performance: Clarence Maclin in Sing Sing (A24).
• Breakthrough Performer: Brandon Wilson in Nickel Boys (Orion Pictures/Amazon MGM Studios).