Chloé Zhao

Chloé Zhao, born Zhao Ting in Beijing, is a director who burst onto the indie film scene with critically acclaimed works like "The Rider" and "Nomadland." The latter picked up a few Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director for Zhao, cementing her status as a serious filmmaker.

Then came "Eternals," a Marvel superhero flick that, while not a critical darling, certainly raised her profile even further, proving she can handle both contemplative, character-driven dramas and massive CGI spectacles. It’s almost as if she’s trying to corner the entire cinematic market, from arthouse to multiplex.

Her background is decidedly international, having attended boarding school in London and then college in the US, culminating in film studies at NYU. This global upbringing likely contributes to her unique perspective, though it doesn't seem to have put her on the path to synagogue regular.