The French government has awarded Indian movie director Payal Kapadia with the country's prestigious “Officier dans l’Ordre Arts et des Lettres”.

The Consul General of France, Jean-Marc Sere-Charlet, awarded the filmmaker at the Residence of France in Mumbai.

The award recognised the Indian director's contributions to cinema and the cultural relationship between France and India.

The French Consulate in Mumbai wrote: "Congratulations, Payal Kapadia ✨ A proud and inspiring moment for Indian cinema!"

"The Consul General of France in Mumbai, on behalf of the French Government, and @ifiofficiel , have conferred the prestigious Officier dans l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (Officer of the Order of Arts and Letters) on acclaimed filmmaker Payal Kapadia," the Instagram statement said.

In 2024, Payal made history by winning the Grand Prix at the 77th Cannes Film Festival for her debut fiction feature 'All We Imagine as Light'.

It was the first Indian film in 30 years to win in the main competition at Cannes.