Chloe Zhao Makes History at PSIFF

Friday, Jan 29, 2021

Chloe Zhao Picture Courtesy of The Hollywood Reporter

Chloe Zhao Picture Courtesy of The Hollywood Reporter

Alum Chloe Zhao will be the first woman in history to receive the Palm Springs International Film Festival’s Director of the Year.

Zhao will be recognized with the honor for her record-shattering Nomadland. Festival Chairman Harold Matzner said, “Chloé Zhao’s Nomadland is a film that captures the triumph of the human spirit. This extremely unique and well done film captures the grand landscapes of the American West as it follows Fern, played by Frances McDormand, who hits the road in her camper van moving from one real encampment of present day nomads to another. Nomadland is one of the most accomplished films of the year and we are delighted to honor our first female Director of the Year, Chloé Zhao!”

Past recipients of the Director of the Year Award include Alejandro G. Iñárritu, Steve Mc Queen, and Quentin Tarantino, who all went on to receive Best Director Academy Award nominations. 

Read more at PSIFF.