Barack Obama has revealed his favorite films of 2024, with Payal Kapadia’s All We Imagine as Light taking the top spot. The former US president shared his annual list of movie recommendations on X (formerly Twitter) on Friday, highlighting a diverse selection of films that include The Piano Lesson, The Promised Land, The Seed of the Sacred Fig, and others.
Obama’s Thoughts on All We Imagine as Light
In his post, Obama wrote, “Here are a few movies I’d recommend checking out this year,” before listing his picks for 2024. Leading the list was All We Imagine as Light, a film that has garnered significant international recognition.
The film made history at the Cannes Film Festival, where it won the prestigious Grand Prix, making Payal Kapadia the first Indian filmmaker in 30 years to compete in the festival’s main competition. The film has also received nominations for two Golden Globe Awards and the Critics’ Choice Awards in 2025. Recently, Payal was honored with the Spirit of Cinema award at the 29th International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK).
About All We Imagine as Light
All We Imagine as Light follows the emotional journey of Prabha, a troubled nurse, and her young roommate Anu. The film delves into their complex relationships, as they embark on a trip to a beach town that allows them to explore their desires and emotions. The film features Kani Kusruti, Divya Prabha, and Chhaya Kadam in leading roles and is an official Indo-French co-production between Petit Chaos (France) and Chalk & Cheese and Another Birth (India).
Other Films on Obama’s List
Other notable films on Obama’s list include Dune: Part Two, the highly anticipated sequel based on Frank Herbert’s sci-fi classic, and Conclave, a mystery thriller starring Ralph Fiennes and Stanley Tucci. Obama also recommended Anora, a comedy-drama directed by Sean Baker, among other films.
Obama, who served as the US President from 2008 to 2016, has become known for sharing his favorite books, films, and TV shows at the end of each year, offering his followers a curated selection of cultural highlights.
