Chloé Zhao Family Tree: The Story Behind Nomadland

Zhao Ting (Chloé Zhao), born 31 March 1982 in Beijing, China, is the Chinese-American filmmaker of Songs My Brothers Taught Me (2015), The Rider (2017), Nomadland (2020 — 4 Academy Awards including Best Picture, Best Director — first woman of colour to win Best Director, only 2nd woman ever after Bigelow), Eternals (2021 — Marvel), Hamnet (2025).

The Family's Roots: A Chinese Executive's Family

Father was a senior executive; stepmother is famous Chinese comedian.

Her Parents

Father: Zhao Yuji — Chinese; former general manager Shougang Iron & Steel Group (one of China's largest steel companies).

Mother: hospital worker, later divorced Zhao Yuji.

Her Stepmother

Song Dandan, born 25 August 1961 — famous Chinese comedian and actress; married Chloé's father Zhao Yuji.

Her Stepbrother

Batu, born 1987 — Song Dandan's son from previous marriage; became actor.

Her Partner: Joshua James Richards

Joshua James Richards — British cinematographer. Partner since 2011 (Chloé's regular cinematographer on all her films).

The Zhao Family Tree at a Glance

Father: Zhao Yuji — Shougang Iron & Steel executive.

Mother: hospital worker (name not widely published).

Stepmother: Song Dandan (b. 25 August 1961) — Chinese comedian.

Stepbrother: Batu (b. 1987) — actor.

Partner: Joshua James Richards — British cinematographer.

Chloé Zhao:

  • Born 31 March 1982, Beijing
  • Moved to Brighton, England as a teenager (boarding school)
  • Mount Holyoke College (Political Science) 2005
  • NYU Tisch School (MFA Film) 2010
  • Songs My Brothers Taught Me (2015) — debut
  • Academy Award Best Director: 2021 (Nomadland) — first woman of colour, 2nd woman ever
  • Academy Award Best Picture: 2021 (Nomadland)
  • Golden Lion (Venice): 2020 (Nomadland)

What the Zhao Family Story Teaches Us

A father who was a top Chinese steel executive. A famous stepmother comedian. A stepbrother-actor. A partner who is her constant cinematographer. A career that made her the 2nd woman ever to win Best Director Oscar and the 1st woman of colour.

For every family — large or small, famous or otherwise — the Chloé story carries the same lesson. Some careers cross Chinese boarding-school childhood to Hollywood history.

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