Chloe Zhao Biography: Movies, Age, Net Worth, Siblings, Parents, Height, TV Series, Husband, Short Films

Chloe Zhao, born Zhao Ting, is a distinguished Chinese filmmaker recognized for her work in independent cinema.

She garnered widespread acclaim for Nomadland (2020), which won the Academy Awards for Best Picture and Best Director, making her the first woman of colour to receive this prestigious honour.

Zhao’s earlier films, Songs My Brothers Taught Me (2015) and The Rider (2017), were both critically praised.

In addition to her independent work, she also directed Eternals (2021) within the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Profile

• Full Name: Zhao Ting
• Stage Name: Chloe Zhao
• Born: March 31 1982
• Age: 42 years old
• Birthplace: Beijing, China
• Nationality: Chinese
• Occupation: Chinese filmmaker
• Height: Unknown
• Parent: Yuji Zhao and Huang Tao
• Siblings: Unknown
• Partner: Joshua James Richards
• Children: Unknown
• Relationship: Unmarried
• Net Worth: $1 million to $5 million

Early Life And Education

Chloe Zhao, born Zhao Ting on March 31, 1982, in Beijing, China, is the daughter of Zhao Yuji, an executive at Shougang Group, one of China’s largest state-owned steel companies, and Huang Tao. She might have grown up with siblings, but their names are unknown.

Zhao attended Brighton College in the UK for her secondary education before moving to the United States for higher studies. She graduated from Mount Holyoke College in 2005 with a B.A. in Political Science and a minor in Film Studies.

Zhao furthered her education by pursuing a Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) in Film Production at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, where she graduated in 2010. Though Zhao is of Chinese ethnicity, her religious beliefs are not publicly known.

Career

Chloe Zhao began her filmmaking career in the late 2000s, creating short films such as The Atlas Mountains (2009) and Daughters (2010), the latter of which earned several awards and established her as an emerging talent.

Her debut feature film, Songs My Brothers Taught Me (2015), set on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, explored Native American life through a personal lens and earned a nomination for the Independent Spirit Award for Best First Feature. This film began her deep exploration of marginalized communities and personal storytelling.

Zhao’s next film, The Rider (2017), further solidified her reputation as an innovative filmmaker. A contemporary Western about a young cowboy’s recovery after a life-altering injury, the film received widespread acclaim and won the Art Cinema Award at the Cannes Film Festival.

Her collaboration with non-professional actors and her authentic portrayal of their lives resonated with critics, enhancing her standing as a filmmaker who blended documentary realism with fiction.

Her international breakthrough came with Nomadland (2020), which won numerous accolades, including the Golden Lion at Venice and the People’s Choice Award at Toronto. The film’s success culminated in Zhao becoming the first woman of colour to win the Academy Award for Best Director.

Following this, Zhao directed Eternals (2021), a Marvel Cinematic Universe film, showcasing her versatility in tackling blockbuster filmmaking while retaining her distinctive storytelling style. As of early 2025, Zhao is set to direct Hamnet, continuing to push boundaries and challenge conventional narratives in Hollywood.

Social Media

Chloe Zhao does not have any active social media accounts.  

Personal Life

Chloé Zhao, the celebrated Chinese filmmaker, has been in a long-term relationship with cinematographer Joshua James Richards. The two met while studying at New York University and have since worked together on several of Zhao’s projects, including Nomadland. They live in Ojai, California, where they share their home with two dogs and chickens.

Filmography

Films

• Songs My Brothers Taught Me (2015)
• The Rider (2017)
• Nomadland (2020)
• Eternals (2021)
• Hamnet (TBA)

Short Films

• Helen’s First Date in Two Years (2008)
• The Atlas Mountains (2009)
• Daughters (2010)
• Benachin (2011)

Net Worth

Chloé Zhao’s net Worth is estimated to range from $1 million to $5 million. This wealth primarily comes from her successful career in filmmaking, particularly her acclaimed works like Nomadland and Eternals.