Chloé Zhao (born Zhao Ting; March 31, 1982) is a Chinese filmmaker. She is known primarily for her work on independent films. For Nomadland (2020), Zhao became the third woman to win the Academy Award for Best Director.

Her feature debut, Songs My Brothers Taught Me (2015), premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and received critical acclaim, as well as a nomination for the Independent Spirit Award for Best First Feature. The Rider (2017) received critical acclaim and was nominated for the Independent Spirit Awards for Best Film and Best Director.

Zhao gained international recognition with the American film Nomadland (2020), which she wrote, produced, edited, and directed and which received numerous awards, including the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival and the People's Choice Award at the Toronto International Film Festival. With four Academy Award nominations, Zhao won for Best Picture and Best Director, becoming the first woman of color to receive the latter. She also received directing awards at the Directors Guild of America Awards, the Golden Globes, and BAFTA, becoming the second woman to win each of them.

Zhao co-wrote and directed the Marvel Cinematic Universe superhero film Eternals (2021). Her 2025 film Hamnet premiered at the 52nd Telluride Film Festival and received critical acclaim. It won the Golden Globe for Best Drama Film in 2025 and the BAFTA for Outstanding British Film. It was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Picture. Zhao also received her second Academy Award nomination for Best Director, becoming only the second woman after Jane Campion to receive two nominations in that category.