Acclaimed filmmaker Payal Kapadia is set to return to the Cannes Film Festival in 2025 — but not with a film this time. She joins the main competition jury, becoming one of the select few Indian filmmakers to take a seat on the prestigious panel.

Indian filmmaker Payal Kapadia’s poignant drama “All We Imagine as Light” took home the best picture prize at the 18th Asian Film Awards. The film has been on an impressive journey since winning the Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival last May. Kapadia praised her lead actors during her acceptance speech, expressing her gratitude and excitement for ending this journey in Hong Kong.

Kapadia’s nomination in the Best Director category is a monumental step for Indian cinema, placing her in competition with distinguished international filmmakers, including Jacques Audiard (“Emilia Pérez”), Sean Baker (“Anora”), Edward Berger (“Conclave”), Brady Corbet (“The Brutalist”), and Coralie Fargeat (“The Substance”). This recognition places "All We Imagine As Light" among an elite group of global films vying for the top awards.

The nominations for the 2025 Golden Globe Awards were announced on Monday, with “Emilia Perez” featuring Selena Gomez and the series “The Bear” leading the pack with numerous nods, showcasing their widespread acclaim and success.