Documentary Perspective Added: Questioning the Essence of Free Life and Communal Relationships
Chlo? Zhao, director of the film 'Nomadland,' became the first woman of color to receive the directing award from the Directors Guild of America (DGA). At the 73rd annual ceremony held on the 10th (local time), the DGA honored Zhao with its highest accolade. This is the first time an Asian woman has won the DGA directing award. She is the second female director to do so, coming 11 years after Kathryn Bigelow won for 'The Hurt Locker' in 2010.
Director Zhao expressed her gratitude by mentioning each of the fellow nominees, saying, "I actually learned even more." The nominees included Lee Isaac Chung of 'Minari,' Emerald Fennell of 'Promising Young Woman,' David Fincher of 'Mank,' and Aaron Sorkin of 'The Trial of the Chicago 7.' She especially praised director Chung, saying, "He showed a lot of beauty and love in an honest and genuine way," and added, "What he accomplished is incredibly remarkable."
'Nomadland' is a drama that follows the journey of Fern (Frances McDormand), who leaves the city she lived in due to economic hardship and wanders in a van. The film incorporates a documentary perspective to question the essence of a free life and communal relationships.
With this award, director Zhao is now a strong contender for the Academy Award for Best Director, as many DGA members also hold Academy membership. In fact, over the past 15 years, the DGA and Oscar winners for Best Director have matched thirteen times. However, last year, the DGA chose Sam Mendes for '1917,' while the Oscars awarded Bong Joon-ho for 'Parasite.' 'Nomadland' is nominated in six categories at the upcoming Academy Awards ceremony on the 25th, including Best Director, Best Picture, Best Actress, Cinematography, Editing, and Adapted Screenplay.
Born in Beijing, China, director Zhao spent her school years in London, UK, and California, USA. She studied film directing at New York University and directed works such as 'Daughters' (2010), 'Songs My Brothers Taught Me' (2015), and 'The Rider' (2017). Recently, she directed the Marvel Studios film 'Eternals,' working alongside Angelina Jolie and Ma Dong-seok.
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