Chloé Zhao, a Chinese-born writer, director, producer, and film editor, has emerged as one of the most celebrated filmmakers of her generation despite a modest filmography of five feature films. Known for works such as Songs My Brothers Taught Me (2015), The Rider (2017), Nomadland (2020), Eternals (2021), and the upcoming Hamnet (2025), Zhao has captured critical acclaim and awards attention, particularly with her latest project. The focus on Chloé Zhao Hamnet Awards underscores her ongoing impact on the industry.
Record-Breaking Achievements and Current Oscar Nominations
Zhao became only the second woman and the first woman of color to win the Academy Award for Best Director with Nomadland, which also won Best Picture. Now, she has received Oscar nominations for Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay for Hamnet. The film is also nominated for Best Picture, Best Actress for Jessie Buckley, casting, costume design, original score, and production design, highlighting its broad recognition across categories.
Reflections on Career Path and Creative Choices
During a discussion at The Hollywood Reporter’s Los Angeles offices, Zhao, aged 43, reflected on her transition to filmmaking upon arriving in America and her deep connection with the American West. She touched upon her early work, where she often cast non-professional actors, contrasting this with more recent films featuring established stars. Zhao candidly shared how making Nomadland, a $5 million independent film, followed by Eternals, a $236 million Marvel production, back-to-back contributed to her decision to take a four-year hiatus and almost pass on Hamnet.
Taking a Leap of Faith with Hamnet and Its Impact
Zhao explained why she ultimately accepted the challenge of directing Hamnet and the unorthodox techniques she applied on set. The response to the film has been overwhelmingly positive, from winning the audience award at the Toronto International Film Festival to receiving a notable endorsement from Jane Fonda at the Palm Springs International Film Festival’s awards gala. This recognition positions Hamnet as a significant milestone in Zhao’s career and promises to influence her trajectory going forward.
“We are so grateful for the audience’s love and the incredible support from our peers and legends like Jane Fonda.” – Chloé Zhao, Director
