India’s Major Misstep in Selecting Best International Film for the Oscars

India’s Major Misstep in Selecting Best International Film for the Oscars

India’s Oscars Submission Sparks Controversy

If you find yourself reflecting on missed opportunities as the new year approaches, consider India’s selection for the Best International Film category at the Oscars—it’s enough to alleviate your regrets. Despite having the critically acclaimed All We Imagine As Light, which won the prestigious Cannes Grand Prix, the Film Federation of India (FFI) committee opted for a different entry. This decision has been met with widespread disapproval, as their chosen film, Laapataa Ladies, has already been ruled out of the Oscars race.

Oscar Shortlist Announcement

On December 17, 2024, The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences released the shortlist for its 97th Academy Awards, which included the Best International Feature category. India’s choice, Laapataa Ladies, failed to secure a spot, leaving many Indian film enthusiasts disheartened. These cinephiles had rallied around All We Imagine As Light, which has garnered numerous international accolades this season like a collection of Pokémon cards.

Kapadia’s Historic Achievement

Compounding the disappointment, All We Imagine As Light has been nominated for the Best Non-English Language Motion Picture award at the Golden Globes. Additionally, director Payal Kapadia has made history as the first Indian woman to earn a Golden Globe nomination for Best Director Motion Picture, sharing the spotlight with acclaimed directors such as Sean Baker and Coralie Fargeat. This not only heightens the stakes but amplifies the magnitude of the FFI’s misstep.

A Cannes Darling

It is perplexing that the FFI did not recognize the significance of All We Imagine As Light. This film marked Kapadia’s debut at Cannes and became the first Indian entry in three decades to be part of the main competition, ultimately winning the Grand Prix. Featuring powerful performances from Kani Kusruti and a stellar cast, the film offers an intricate portrayal of urban life and female relationships through a distinctive female perspective.

Chhaya Kadam as Parvaty and Kani Kusruti as Prabha ride a bus in All We Imagine As Light
(Janus Films)

The Jury’s Unexpected Choice

Given the success of All We Imagine As Light, one would assume it was a logical selection for the Oscars. However, the all-male FFI jury shocked many by selecting Kiran Rao’s comedy, Laapataa Ladies, a quirky narrative about two brides swapped during a train journey. While the film has its charms, the backlash against this choice was swift, mainly due to the jury’s reasoning that All We Imagine As Light was too “European,”while Laapataa Ladies encapsulated an experience unique to India.

Continued Controversy

The situation escalated when the head of the FFI jury continued to criticize All We Imagine As Light, labeling it as “technically poor.”Just three days later, the film secured a spot on Barack Obama’s list of favorite movies of the year, showcasing a glaring contradiction to the FFI’s assertion. The widespread celebrations of its international acclaim only underline the FFI’s decision as ill-conceived.

The Impact of Politics

Adding another layer to this controversy is speculation surrounding Kapadia’s anti-establishment views, stemming from her activism during her student years at the Film and Television Institute of India. Some fans suggested her political stance played a role in the film’s exclusion. Although this is conjecture, it reflects ongoing tensions within the Indian film landscape.

Missed Opportunities for India

This pattern of overlooking deserving films is not new; in 2023, the choice to pick The Last Film Show over the globally celebrated RRR raised eyebrows and questions about FFI’s selections. While RRR achieved notable success individually, including an Oscar for Best Original Song, many supporters argue that it could have been a solid candidate for Best International Feature.

Support for All We Imagine As Light

Despite my admiration for Laapataa Ladies, the overshadowing presence of All We Imagine As Light in award discussions creates an unmistakable sense of second-hand embarrassment. While Laapataa Ladies is charming in its own right, it simply does not compare to the global recognition that All We Imagine As Light continues to receive.

AWIAL’s Growing Accolades

Alongside its Golden Globe nominations, All We Imagine As Light has racked up numerous accolades including Best International Feature at the Gotham Awards, the New York Film Critics Circle Awards, and the Toronto Film Critics Association, further solidifying its critical acclaim. It has also been highlighted by Sight and Sound as Film of the Year and recognized in various other prestigious awards, elevating its profile ahead of the Oscars.

These achievements serve as a reminder of the potential lost in FFI’s decision-making process. Ironically, both India and France could have submitted All We Imagine As Light for Oscars consideration, but France ultimately opted for Emilia Pérez, another film generating considerable awards buzz.

The Future for Indian Cinema

Although there is still hope for All We Imagine As Light to receive independent Oscar nominations, this situation raises questions about the selection process for international films by various countries. With its impressive array of accolades, this missed opportunity stands out starkly for India, which now watches as All We Imagine As Light edges closer to potential triumph on the Oscars stage, marking a pivotal moment in Indian cinema’s journey.

Regardless of the outcome, many Indian cinema enthusiasts will continue to rally behind All We Imagine As Light and celebrate its remarkable achievements.

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