Indian Films Shine at Cannes: Full Winners List & Highlights

Cannes, France – The 79th Cannes Film Festival wrapped up yesterday, and Indian cinema had a strong showing, bagging several prestigious awards. From Anurag Kashyap's gritty neo-noir thriller, 'Kennedy,' receiving a standing ovation to Payal Kapadia's historical drama 'All We Imagine as Light' snatching the coveted Camera d'Or, it's been a year to remember for Indian filmmakers. The festival, which ran from May 14th to 28th, saw a diverse range of films from across the globe, but it was the unique storytelling and powerful performances of the Indian contingent that truly resonated with the international jury.

'All We Imagine as Light' Wins Camera d'Or

Payal Kapadia made history by becoming the first Indian female director to win the Camera d'Or. 'All We Imagine as Light,' a Malayalam-language film set in Mumbai, tells the story of two nurses grappling with love and loss against the backdrop of the bustling city. The film was lauded for its sensitive portrayal of female friendship and its exploration of contemporary Indian life. Speaking to News Reporter Live, Kapadia shared, "This award is not just for me, but for the entire team who poured their hearts and souls into this film. I hope it inspires more women in India to pursue their dreams in cinema." The film is expected to have an OTT release later this year on Amazon Prime Video.

Anurag Kashyap's 'Kennedy' Gets Standing Ovation

While 'Kennedy' didn't win an official award, Anurag Kashyap's return to Cannes was met with thunderous applause. The film, starring Rahul Bhat and Sunny Leone, is a dark and violent tale of an insomniac ex-cop presumed dead, but still operating for the system. The 7-minute standing ovation after its premiere was a testament to Kashyap's enduring appeal and his ability to push boundaries. "It's always special to showcase your work at Cannes," Kashyap said in an interview. "The audience here is discerning and appreciates bold storytelling." The Hindi-language film is slated for a theatrical release in India in July, and Netflix India has reportedly acquired the streaming rights.

Other Indian Highlights at Cannes 2026

Besides Kapadia and Kashyap, several other Indian films and talents made their mark at Cannes. Maisam Ali's short film 'In Retreat' was selected for the La Cinef section, further showcasing the emerging talent in Indian independent cinema. Several Indian actors, including Deepika Padukone, also graced the red carpet, adding to the Bollywood glamour quotient. Reportersays, the presence of Indian cinema was undeniable this year, solidifying its position on the global stage. Several films were competing for the prestigious Palme d'Or, which ultimately went to French director Agathe Rousselle's surrealist drama, 'Titanium Tears.'

What to Watch Next: Upcoming Indian Releases

With the Cannes buzz still fresh, Indian cinephiles have a lot to look forward to. Besides 'Kennedy' and 'All We Imagine as Light,' several other highly anticipated films are set to hit theaters and OTT platforms in the coming months. These include Aamir Khan's sports drama 'Sitaare Zameen Par,' a spiritual successor to 'Taare Zameen Par', and Karan Johar's romantic comedy 'Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani 2'. For cricket fans, the IPL season continues to provide daily doses of excitement. This week is packed with entertainment for everyone!