Chloe Zhao
A Chinese filmmaker and Academy Award-winning director for Nomadland.
Chloé Zhao is a Chinese filmmaker known for her films Songs My Brothers Taught Me (2015), The Rider (2018), Nomadland (2020), and Eternals (2021). With Nomadland, she became the first woman of color to win the Academy Award for Best Director and the first woman to win Best Director from the Directors Guild of America Awards, Golden Globe Awards, and British Academy Film Awards in combination.
- Role
- Director & Screenwriter
- Affiliation
- A24 Films (Distributor)
- Notable Works
- The Rider, Nomadland, Eternals
- Major Accolades
- Academy Award for Best Director
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Zhao set many records with her 2020 film Nomadland, becoming the first woman of color to win the Academy Award for Best Director. She also became the first woman ever to win Best Director awards from the Directors Guild of America Awards, Golden Globe Awards, and British Academy Film Awards in combination—a feat no woman had achieved before. These achievements marked a distinct turning point in industry recognition for women of color in directing roles.
In Their Own Story
In 2025, Zhao's film Hamnet earned her the Toronto International Film Festival People's Choice Award for the second time, making her the only director to achieve this feat. This success led to her historic nomination alongside Maggie O'Farrell for the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay. With this, she became only the second woman and the first woman of color to be nominated for the Academy Award for Best Director twice.
Reader's Guide
Zhao's career spans from Songs My Brothers Taught Me (2015) through The Rider (2018), Nomadland (2020), Eternals (2021), and Hamnet (2025). Her work with Hamnet secured her a unique place in film history as the sole director to win the Toronto International Film Festival People's Choice Award twice. The film also garnered an Academy Award nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay, shared with Maggie O'Farrell.
Did You Know?
- She was the first woman of color to win the Academy Award for Best Director.
- Zhao became the first woman ever to win Best Director awards from the Directors Guild of America, Golden Globes, and BAFTAs in combination.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Chloe Zhao?
She is a Chinese filmmaker recognized for her intimate storytelling and direction of independent films like The Rider. Her work with A24 helped establish her reputation before she moved to major studio projects.
What role does she play in filmmaking?
Zhao serves as both the director and screenwriter for many of her acclaimed projects, allowing her full creative control over the narrative. This dual role is evident in her signature films distributed by A24.
Which film earned her an Academy Award?
She won Best Director for Nomadland, marking a historic achievement as the first woman of color to receive this honor. The film was also distributed by A24, solidifying their legacy in independent cinema.
Why is Chloe Zhao important to A24's history?
Her success with Nomadland brought significant critical acclaim and industry awards to the studio during a pivotal time. This partnership highlighted A24's commitment to supporting visionary female directors.
What are her most notable works associated with this era?
Key titles include Songs My Brothers Taught Me, The Rider, and Nomadland, which showcase her distinct visual style before Eternals. These films define her early career trajectory within the independent film scene.
More in History & Legacy
Related in A24 Films
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Elsewhere in the A24 Films universe
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