Oscar winner
She rediscovered America: Chloé Zhao turns 40
Chloé Zhao works primarily in the USA. Photo: Evandro Inetti/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa
© dpa-infocom GmbH
Celebrated in the US, boycotted in her home country of China. Chloé Zhao triumphed at the Oscars with her drama “Nomadland”.
In her home country, she is not only boycotted for her achievements in the western world, but also because of her critical statements on Chinese politics. Chloé Zhao is currently one of the most successful people in the film industry.
With her film “Nomadland” she received numerous awards and also became known to a larger audience. This Thursday (March 31) the director celebrates her 40th birthday.
education around the world
Chloé Zhao got around a lot in the world. The Beijing-born film director and screenwriter attended boarding school in England, later studied political science in Massachusetts and film production at New York’s Tisch School of the Arts.
Her mother, a nurse, and her father, a top executive at a steel company who later married Chinese sitcom actress Song Dandan, were able to provide her with this resume.
Short films and festivals help with the rise
After gaining initial experience with two short films, «Songs My Brothers Taught Me» became her feature film debut. In 2015 she presented the work at the Sundance Film Festival and the Cannes Film Festival – the reviews were excellent. Two years later the modern western “The Rider”, which she also presented in Cannes in 2017.
“Nomadland” led to international success
Her most successful work to date, “Nomadland”, is based on the 2017 book “Nomads at Work: Surviving in the USA in the 21st Century” by journalist Jessica Bruder. The documentary-like road movie focuses on nomadic life in the USA. The film received a strong authenticity through the involvement of many amateur actors, who practically played themselves. Oscar winner Frances McDormand and David Strathairn were the only professional actors in the cast.
Golden Lion and Golden Globe – Chloé Zhao received numerous awards with her film. There were trophies at the Oscars 2021: Frances McDormand was awarded “Best Actress”, Chloé Zhao won in the categories “Best Director” and “Best Film”. .