Chloé Zhao

Chloé Zhao, born Zhao Ting (赵婷) on March 31, 1982, in China, is a prominent filmmaker celebrated for her contributions to independent cinema. She gained significant attention with her debut feature, Songs My Brothers Taught Me (2015), which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, earning critical praise and a nomination for the Independent Spirit Award for Best First Feature. Her follow-up, The Rider (2017), also received accolades, securing nominations for both Best Film and Best Director at the Independent Spirit Awards.

Zhao achieved international acclaim with her groundbreaking film Nomadland (2020), which she wrote, produced, edited, and directed. The film garnered numerous awards, including the prestigious Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival and the People's Choice Award at the Toronto International Film Festival. Nomadland received four Academy Award nominations, and Zhao made history by winning both Best Picture and Best Director, becoming only the second woman ever and the first woman of color to receive the latter honor. Her exceptional work also earned her accolades from the Directors Guild of America, the Golden Globe Awards, and the British Academy Film Awards, making her the second woman to win each of these prestigious directing awards.

In addition to her independent works, Zhao co-wrote and directed the Marvel Cinematic Universe film Eternals (2021). Her most recent project, Hamnet, premiered to acclaim at the 52nd Telluride Film Festival.