On Sunday (April 25), Chloe Zhao has made Oscar history by becoming the first woman of color and second woman to win Best Director.
The director of ‘Nomadland‘ stood proud at Union Station Los Angeles, as she accepted the award for “Best Director.” The first woman to win the award was Kathryn Bigelow for “The Hurt Locker“ in 2010.
During her acceptance speech, she said, “This is for anyone who has the faith and the courage to hold out to the goodness in themselves and to hold out to the goodness in each other, no matter how difficult it is to do that. You inspire me to keep going.”
Not only did the film win “Best Director,” the film also grabbed the “Best Picture” award and “Best Actress in a Leading Role,” with Frances McDormand accepting the award.
Zhao’s win was much celebrated as a few celebrities sent their congrats to the director.
Sandra Oh, star of Grey’s Anatomy, extended her congrats by tweeting out to the director. She said, “Congratulations Chloé Zhao for Best Director! @nomadland. Yes may we have faith in the goodness in ourselves and others.”
Congratulations Chloé Zhao for Best Director! @nomadland Yes may we have faith in the goodness in ourselves and others ❤️
— Sandra Oh (@IamSandraOh) April 26, 2021
In the 93-years of the Academy’s history, only nine women have been nominated for Best Director: Bigelow, Zhao, Emerald Fennell (“Promising Young Woman,” 2020), Greta Gerwig (“Lady Bird,” 2017), Sofia Coppola (“Lost In Translation,” 2003), Jane Campion (“The Piano,” 1993), and Lina Wertmüller (“Seven Beauties,” 1976).
What do you think? Will more women be nominated for Best Director in the years to come? Let us know in the comments below or tweet us @celebsecrets!
