California [US], February 8: At the 30th Critics Choice Awards, All We Imagine As Light, directed by Payal Kapadia, was nominated for the coveted Best Foreign Language Film category but ultimately lost out to Emilia Perez, a Spanish-language French musical crime drama directed by Jacques Audiard.
Despite the loss, All We Imagine As Light has made a significant impact in the international film community. The film, which made history as the first Indian film to win the prestigious Grand Prix at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, has earned critical acclaim for its evocative storytelling and powerful performances by its talented cast, including Kani Kusruti, Divya Prabha, and Chhaya Kadam. The movie, which centers around a troubled nurse and her young roommate confronting their desires on a trip to a beach town, has captivated global audiences with its delicate portrayal of complex human emotions.
As an official Indo-French co-production, All We Imagine As Light marked a significant milestone for Indian cinema, gaining inclusion in the Critics Choice Awards—a moment of pride for Indian film fans.
However, the award for Best Foreign Language Film went to Emilia Perez, a musical crime drama directed by Jacques Audiard. Based on Audiard’s own opera libretto, the film follows the story of a Mexican cartel leader (played by Karla Sofia Gascon) who seeks the help of a lawyer (played by Zoe Saldana) to help her transition into a woman. Premiering at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, Emilia Perez earned the Jury Prize and Best Actress award for its exceptional female ensemble, which included Gascon’s groundbreaking performance.
The film, which tackles themes of gender identity, crime, and societal expectations, has received widespread praise for its direction, performances, and evocative music. Emilia Perez has also garnered major accolades at events such as the Academy Awards and the Golden Globes, where it earned several nominations and wins, including Best Foreign Language Film at the Golden Globes.
The 30th Critics Choice Awards ceremony, held on February 7 (early Saturday morning in India), was streamed live in India on Lionsgate Play, showcasing the global reach and recognition of outstanding international cinema.