In a remarkable turn of events, Indian filmmaker Payal Kapadia has secured a prestigious nomination at the 2025 Directors Guild of America (DGA) Awards. This recognition comes shortly after her film, “All We Imagine As Light,” was overlooked at the Golden Globes, where it had been nominated in two categories.
Kapadia, an alumna of the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), has been nominated in the First-Time Director category at the DGA Awards. Her debut feature film, “All We Imagine As Light,” has already garnered significant acclaim, including the Grand Prix at Cannes. Competing alongside Kapadia for the Michael Apted Award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in First-Time Theatrical Feature Film are Megan Park for “My Old Ass,” RaMell Ross for “Nickel Boys,” Halfdan Ullmann Tøndel for “Armand,” and Sean Wang for “Dìdi”.
Despite the disappointment at the Golden Globes, where Kapadia was nominated for Best Director—Motion Picture and her film for Best Foreign Language Film, this DGA nomination underscores her exceptional talent and brings pride to Indian cinema on an international stage. The DGA Awards are often seen as a precursor to the Oscars, adding to the anticipation surrounding Kapadia’s future achievements.
The DGA Awards ceremony is set to take place on February 8, 2025, and fans of Kapadia and her work are eagerly awaiting the results. This nomination is a testament to her skill and dedication, marking another significant milestone in her burgeoning career.
