Her name may not have been heard of by you, but we assure you that from now on you will often hear her mentioned. Beijing-born Chloé Zhao won Best Director at the 2021 Oscars, beating Emerald Fennell and David Fincher, among others. The victory makes her the first woman of color to receive the award, and the second woman in the 93-year history of the Academy, after Kathryn Bigelow for The Hurt Locker of 2008.
"This is for anyone who has the faith and courage to keep kindness to themselves and to keep kindness to each other, no matter how hard it is to do it," Zhao said. "You inspire me to keep going. Thank you," she said.
The film that gave her the achievement was Nomadland, a contemplative drama set in Midwest, USA, which won Best Picture. The film focuses on Fern - played by Frances McDormand - a woman who loses her job in the Great Recession. and goes weaving. Doing strange things, meeting nomads and living in a transitional community.
Zhao's next project? Dracula. Zhao Dracula promises to be a western science fiction film.
"I have always been fascinated by vampires and the concept of the other that they embody," Zhao said in a statement, following the news that she will direct the film. "I am very happy to be working with Donna [Langley], Peter [Cramer] and the team at Universal to reimagine such a beloved character."
If you have not seen it yet, Nomadland, you should not miss it!
