Chloé Zhao

Chloé Zhao, born on March 31, 1982, is a renowned Chinese filmmaker celebrated for her distinctive approach to independent cinema. Her debut feature film, Songs My Brothers Taught Me, premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2015, receiving critical acclaim and a nomination for the Independent Spirit Award for Best First Feature. This marked the beginning of her ascent in the film industry.

Following her debut, Zhao directed The Rider in 2017, which garnered significant praise and earned nominations for the Independent Spirit Award for Best Film and Best Director. However, it was her groundbreaking work on Nomadland in 2020 that catapulted her to international fame. Zhao not only directed but also wrote, produced, and edited the film, which won numerous accolades, including the prestigious Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival and the People's Choice Award at the Toronto International Film Festival.

Nomadland earned Zhao four Academy Award nominations, and she made history by becoming the second woman to win the Academy Award for Best Director, as well as the first woman of color to achieve this honor. Her remarkable achievements also include winning directing awards at the Directors Guild of America Awards, Golden Globe Awards, and British Academy Film Awards, making her the second female winner of each.

In addition to her independent work, Zhao co-wrote and directed the Marvel Cinematic Universe film Eternals in 2021. Her latest project, Hamnet, premiered at the 52nd Telluride Film Festival in 2025, receiving critical acclaim and winning the Golden Globe Award for Best Motion Picture – Drama, along with the BAFTA Award for Outstanding British Film. Hamnet is also nominated for the Academy Award for Best Picture, further solidifying Zhao's status as a leading figure in contemporary cinema.