Chloé Zhao

Chinese-born American filmmakerTemplate:SHORTDESC:Chinese-born American filmmaker

* China
 Education | * Mount Holyoke College

**Chloé Zhao**, born **Zhao Ting** (simplified Chinese: 赵婷; traditional Chinese: 趙婷; pinyin: *Zhào Tíng*, born 31 March 1982), is a Chinese-born American filmmaker, known primarily for her work on independent films. Zhao's debut feature film, *Songs My Brothers Taught Me* (2015), premiered at Sundance Film Festival to critical acclaim and earned a nomination for the Independent Spirit Award for Best First Feature. Her second feature film, *The Rider* (2017), was critically acclaimed and received nominations for the Independent Spirit Award for Best Film and Best Director.

Zhao gained further success with *Nomadland* (2020), which attracted international recognition and won many awards, including the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival, the People's Choice Award at the Toronto International Film Festival, and numerous Best Picture awards. Zhao won awards for directing at the Academy Awards, Directors Guild of America Awards, Golden Globe Awards, and British Academy Film Awards; at each body, she was the second woman to win. Earning four Academy Award nominations for the film, Zhao won both Best Picture and Best Director, becoming the second woman in history to win the latter after Kathryn Bigelow in 2010, and the first woman of color to win the category. She also became the sixth woman to win multiple Academy Awards in the same year, after Edith Head, Catherine Martin, Fran Walsh, Kathryn Bigelow and Frances McDormand. The film has not received a theatrical release in China, with speculation that it was due to her past comments on the nation, and news of her Best Director win at the Academy Awards was also censored.

Zhao's latest film is the Marvel Cinematic Universe superhero film *Eternals*, which she wrote and directed, and was released on 5 November 2021.

## Early life and education

Zhao Ting (赵婷; *Zhào Tíng*) was born on 31 March 1982 in Beijing. Her father Zhao Yuji (赵玉吉; *Zhào Yùjí*) was an executive at Shougang Group, one of the country's largest state-owned steel companies. After amassing significant personal wealth, he later moved on to real-estate development and equity investment. Yuji was tied to a number of offshore companies during the Panama Papers leaks. Zhao's mother was a hospital worker who was in a People's Liberation Army performance troupe.

In an interview with *Vogue*, Zhao described herself as "a rebellious teen, lazy at school" who drew manga-influenced comics and wrote fan fiction. She loved films growing up, especially *Happy Together* by Wong Kar-wai. From an early age, Zhao was drawn to influences from Western pop culture. After her parents separated, her father married comic actress Song Dandan, whom Zhao had grown up watching on television.

Although Zhao was still learning English at the time, her parents sent her to Brighton College, a private boarding school in the United Kingdom at the age of 15. She later moved to Los Angeles by herself and attended Los Angeles High School. She next attended Mount Holyoke College in Massachusetts, where she majored in politics and minored in film studies, graduating in 2005. Following up on her undergraduate film minor, she next joined the Kanbar Institute of Film and Television Graduate Film Program at New York University's Tisch School of the Arts.

## Career

 File:Chloezhao.jpg
In 2015, Zhao directed her first feature, *Songs My Brothers Taught Me*. Shot on location at the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota, the film depicts the relationship between a Lakota Sioux brother and his younger sister. It premiered as part of the U.S. Dramatic Competition at Sundance Film Festival. It later played at Cannes Film Festival as part of the Director's Fortnight selection and was nominated for Best First Feature at the 31st Independent Spirit Awards.

In 2017, Zhao directed *The Rider*, a contemporary western drama, which follows a young cowboy's journey to self-discovery after a near-fatal accident ends his professional riding career. The film was executive produced by her father, Yuji Zhao. As with her first feature, Zhao engaged a cast of non-actors who lived at the filming location, in this case on a ranch. Her inspiration came from Brady Jandreau—a cowboy she had met and befriended on the reservation where she shot her first film—who suffered a severe head injury when thrown from his horse during a rodeo competition. Jandreau would star in the film, playing a fictionalized version of himself as Brady Blackburn.

The film premiered at Cannes Film Festival as part of the Directors' Fortnight selection and won the Art Cinema Award. It earned her nominations for Best Feature and Best Director at the 33rd Independent Spirit Awards. At the same ceremony, Zhao became the inaugural winner of the Bonnie Award, named after Bonnie Tiburzi, which recognizes a mid-career female director. The film was released on April 13, 2018, by Sony Pictures Classics and was critically acclaimed. Peter Keough of *The Boston Globe* wrote: "[The film] achieves what cinema is capable of at its best: It reproduces a world with such acuteness, fidelity, and empathy that it transcends the mundane and touches on the universal."

In 2018, Zhao directed her third feature film, *Nomadland*, starring Frances McDormand. The adaptation from *Nomadland: Surviving America in the Twenty-First Century* was shot over four months traveling the American West in an RV with many actual nomadic workers. The film premiered at the Venice Film Festival, where it received critical acclaim and won the Golden Lion award, and subsequently played at the 2020 Toronto International Film Festival, where it won the People's Choice Award. The film was released on February 19, 2021, by Searchlight Pictures. Zhao won the Golden Globe Award for Best Director for *Nomadland*, making her the first woman of Asian descent honored, and only the second woman to win a Golden Globe for directing since Barbra Streisand in 1984. In April 2021, Zhao won the Academy Award for Best Director, becoming the second woman to do so (Kathryn Bigelow being the first).

In September 2018, Marvel Studios hired her to direct *Eternals*, based on the comic book characters of the same name. The film was released on November 5, 2021.

On February 15, 2021, *Variety* reported that with "34 awards season trophies for directing, 13 for screenplay and nine for editing, Chloe Zhao has surpassed Alexander Payne (*Sideways*) as the most awarded person in a single awards season in the modern era."Template:Update inline

### Upcoming projects

In April 2018, it was announced that Amazon Studios greenlit Zhao's untitled Bass Reeves biopic, a historical Western about the first black U.S. Deputy Marshal. Zhao is set to direct the film and write the screenplay.In February 2021, *Variety* confirmed that Zhao is tackling the classic Universal monster *Dracula*, as the writer, producer and director of a new take on the character in the vein of a futuristic sci-fi western. In November of 2021, it was announced that Zhao would be directing a new Star Wars film produced by Kevin Fiege.

## Influences

Zhao cites Wong Kar-wai's romance *Happy Together* as the "film that made me want to make films". She was also influenced by Spike Lee, who was her film professor while she studied at New York University's Tisch School of the Arts. She cited Ang Lee as an influence as well, saying, "Ang Lee’s career has been very inspiring to me — how he’s able to bring where he comes from to all the films that he makes". She also has mentioned Werner Herzog and Terrence Malick as key influences.

Zhao stated her earliest introductions to American cinema were *The Terminator*, *Ghost* and *Sister Act*.

## Controversy

In 2013, Zhao was preparing to film *Songs My Brothers Taught Me*, and told the magazine *Filmmaker* that the premise of a closed environment with a high teen suicide rate reminded her of her Chinese upbringing:

Zhao then said that studying political science at college in Massachusetts has made her “turned off by politics”; instead she prefers "“meeting people and learning about their histories."

Zhao's US film *The Rider* had a one-off screening at the 2017 Pingyao International Film Festival but did not have a theatrical release in China. Zhao said in 2018 that while growing up in China, she felt constricted by "an ancient culture where I was expected to be a certain way" and was drawn to the Western genre. But she also went on and talked about being a Chinese citizen and praised the festival's celebration of Chinese culture. In 2020, while promoting her US film *Nomadland*, she told News.com.au that she had felt like an outsider in the United States, in not having "the weight of history" on her. The website initially reported her statement, "The US is now my country, ultimately, but maybe, it is easier for me than how I see my friends are reacting [to everything], especially this year." The comment was removed by February 16. News.com.au later restored a corrected quote of Zhao, that she had said "not my country", instead of "now my country".

Before the 78th Golden Globe Awards on February 28, 2021, *Nomadland* was scheduled to have a limited theatrical release in China on April 23, 2021. When Zhao won the Golden Globe Award for Best Director for *Nomadland* at the ceremony, becoming the first woman of Asian descent to do so, *Variety* reported, "Although most Chinese viewers have yet to see the film, many cheered the Golden Globe win. Scores of posts praised Zhao's heartfelt acceptance speech about compassion and described her as an inspiration." It also wrote that many commentators "lamented that Zhao likely could never make such a powerful film about China, given the mainland's current censorship environment". Initially, state media in China, including China Central Television, *People's Daily*, and *Global Times*, "sought to claim Zhao's glory for China". Shortly afterward, social media users learned of Zhao's 2013 comments in *Filmmaker* and then her incorrectly quoted comments to News.com.au, both of which had been removed in mid-February 2021. *Variety* reported that the original interviews were "translated and widely disseminated on the Chinese web, sparking controversy among nationalists". Users questioned Zhao's citizenship and debated "whether it is appropriate to claim Zhao's victory as China's", with *Variety* calling the claim "a common move by state-backed outlets to drum up nationalism".

On March 5, 2021, the Chinese government censored mentions of *Nomadland* online. References to *Nomadland*'s release in China were also removed. *The New York Times* reported, "It was not a complete blackout. Numerous stories about the movie were still online as of Saturday. And so far, there have been no reports that the film's China release was in jeopardy." The newspaper opined, "But the online censorship was the latest reminder of the power of rising nationalist sentiment in China and the increasingly complex political minefield that companies must navigate there." Although *Nomadland* was not expected to have a significant box office gross in China due to its planned limited release and slow pace, some observers predict a similar "patriotic frenzy" impacting the Chinese release of Zhao’s movie *Eternals.*

Following her Oscar win, Chinese media continued to censor references to Zhao.

## Personal life

Zhao resides in Ojai, California with three chickens and two dogs, and her partner and cinematographer, Joshua James Richards.

## References

1. ↑ Bunch, Sonny (April 30, 2021). Opinion: Chloé Zhao represents the American Dream — and the Chinese Communist Party's nightmare. *The Washington Post*. "Plus, she's a Chinese national"
2. ↑ Qin, Amy (March 6, 2021). In China, a Backlash Against the Chinese-Born Director of 'Nomadland'. *The New York Times*. "Global Times, a Chinese state-backed nationalist tabloid, wrote on Twitter on Wednesday that Disney had said that Ms. Zhao was a Chinese national."
3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Sharf, Zack (March 1, 2021). Chloé Zhao Makes Golden Globes History as Second Woman to Win Best Director Prize (en).
4. ↑ <templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>Barnes, Brooks; Sperling, Nicole (25 April 2021). "'Nomadland' Makes History, and Chadwick Boseman Is Upset at the Oscars". *The New York Times*. Retrieved 26 April 2021.
5. ↑ Oscars 2021: Nomadland's Chloé Zhao scoops historic best director win. *CNET*. Jennifer Bisset (April 26, 2021).
6. ↑ <templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>Scott, A. O. (25 June 2009). "Soldiers on a Live Wire Between Peril and Protocol". *The New York Times*. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 27 April 2021.
7. ↑ <templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>"Golden Globes: 'Tears' as Chloe Zhao becomes first Asian woman to win best director". *BBC News*. 1 March 2021. Retrieved 1 March 2021.
8. ↑ <templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>Qin, Amy; Chien, Amy (26 April 2021). "China Censors Chloé Zhao's Oscar Win, but Fans Find Ways to Rejoice". *The New York Times*. Retrieved 27 April 2021.
9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 <templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>Stevens, Matt (1 March 2021). "Chloé Zhao becomes the first Asian woman and second woman overall to win the Golden Globe for best director". *The New York Times*. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2 March 2021.
10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 10.3 10.4 10.5 10.6 <templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>Willmore, Alison (16 February 2021). "Chloé Zhao's America". *New York*. Retrieved 3 May 2021.
11. ↑ ICIJ Offshore Leaks
12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 <templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>"Bafta Film Awards 2021: Nomadland and Promising Young Woman win big". BBC News. 12 April 2021. Retrieved 14 April 2021.
13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 13.2 Template:Cite magazine
14. ↑ Mullen, Matt (April 13, 2018). THE RIDER IS AN EARLY CONTENDER FOR BEST FILM OF 2018.
15. ↑ Gardiner, Margaret (May 23, 2017). Chloé Zhao: A Woman Telling a Cowboys' Tale.
16. ↑ Pfarrer, Steve (2021-04-25). From Mount Holyoke College to the Oscars: Pioneering director Chloé Zhao first studied film in the Valley. Daily Hampshire Gazette.
17. ↑ Zhao '05 brings stirring depiction of Native American life to big screen.. Mount Holyoke College.
18. ↑ Chloé Zhao '05 wins at the Academy Awards.. Mount Holyoke College.
19. ↑ CHLOÉ ZHAO. New York University.
20. ↑ NYU Tisch Alumna, Chloé Zhao, Makes History at 2021 Academy Awards. New York University (2021-04-26).
21. ↑ Songs My Brothers Taught Me.
22. ↑ More Sundance Deals: 'Hot Girls Wanted,' '10,000 Saints,' 'Songs My Brother Taught Me'.
23. ↑ 31st FiLM iNDEPENDENT SPiRiT AWARDS NOMiNATiONS ANNOUNCED.
24. ↑ Cannes 2017 Women Directors: Meet Chloé Zhao — "The Rider" (18 May 2017).
25. ↑ Sundance Institute. Sundance.
26. ↑ Ponsoldt, James (8 March 2018). Rodeo Dream: Chloé Zhao on The Rider.
27. ↑ 27.0 27.1 Hodson, Hayley (June 9, 2018). Chloe Zhao's 'The Rider' is riveting.
28. ↑ Tisch Alumni Win Cannes Honors (June 2, 2017).
29. ↑ Spirit Awards Grants (en-US).
30. ↑ The Bonnie Award (en).
31. ↑ The Rider Reviews - Metacritic.
32. ↑ Keough, Peter (April 25, 2018). 'The Rider': What cinema is capable of at its best.
33. ↑ Aurthur, Kate (March 1, 2021). Chloe Zhao Becomes Second Woman to Win Golden Globe for Directing as 'Nomadland' Makes History (en-US).
34. ↑ Keegan, Rebecca (September 2, 2020). Director Chloe Zhao Arrives With Early Oscar Contender 'Nomadland' and Next Year's 'Eternals': "It's a Bit Surreal".
35. ↑ Tartaglione, Nancy (September 12, 2020). 'Nomadland' Scoops Golden Lion At Venice Film Festival – Full List Of Winners (en-US).
36. ↑ Vlessing, Etan (September 20, 2020). Toronto: Chloe Zhao's 'Nomadland' Wins Audience Award.
37. ↑ Barnes, Jess (January 14, 2021). Disney Will Release 'Nomadland' on Hulu on Same Day as Theaters.
38. ↑ Brown, Tracy (February 3, 2021). Chloé Zhao is the first woman of Asian descent to land a Golden Globes directing nod.
39. ↑ Kit, Borys (September 21, 2018). Marvel Studios' 'The Eternals' Finds Its Director With Chloé Zhao. *The Hollywood Reporter*.
40. ↑ Davis, Clayton (February 15, 2021). Awards Circuit Winners Chart: Chloe Zhao Is Now the Most Awarded Filmmaker in a Single Awards Season.
41. ↑ Amazon Studios Lands Biopic on Bass Reeves, First Black U.S. Deputy Marshal, From 'The Rider' Helmer Chloé Zhao (April 20, 2018).
42. ↑ Director Chloe Zhao Sinks Teeth Into Sci-Fi Western 'Dracula' for Universal (en-US) (2021-02-04).
Meet 'Nomadland' director Chloé Zhao, who just made Oscar history (and was Spike Lee's student). Retrieved on March 19, 2021.
44. ↑ 'Nomadland' director Chloé Zhao discusses learning from Spike Lee. Retrieved on March 19, 2021.
45. ↑ Chloe Zhao's 'The Rider' Is a Welcome Antidote to the Age of Donald Trump (March 19, 2021).
46. ↑ Under the Influence: Chloé Zhao on THE NEW WORLD. Retrieved on March 19, 2021.
47. ↑ 47.0 47.1 Template:Cite magazine
48. ↑ 48.0 48.1 48.2 Template:Cite magazine
49. ↑ 49.0 49.1 <templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>Mai, Wenlei (25 December 2020). "How outsider Chloe Zhao captured the American heartland in Nomadland". News.com.au. Archived from the original on 1 January 2021. Retrieved 6 March 2021.
50. ↑ 50.0 50.1 <templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>Qin, Amy; Chang Chien, Amy (6 March 2021). "In China, a Backlash Against the Chinese-Born Director of 'Nomadland'". *The New York Times*. Retrieved 6 March 2021.
51. ↑ Template:Cite magazine
52. ↑ <templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>Kuo, Lily (26 April 2021). "Chloé Zhao's historic Oscar win is largely censored in China". *The Washington Post*. Retrieved 26 April 2021.
53. ↑ China Censors Chloé Zhao's Oscar Win, but Fans Find Ways to Rejoice. *The New York Times* (April 26, 2021). Retrieved on April 26, 2021.
54. ↑ Jame, Coyle (September 13, 2020). With quiet humanity, Chloe Zhao's 'Nomadland' makes noise.

## External links

* Official Instagram account
* Chloé Zhao at IMDb**Lua error in Module:EditAtWikidata at line 36: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value).**

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