Chloé Zhao’s Journey from ‘Nomadland’ to ‘Hamnet’

Chloé Zhao’s Emotional Journey from ‘Nomadland’ to ‘Hamnet’

Chloé Zhao’s upcoming film "Hamnet" is not only a powerful adaptation of Shakespeare’s work but also a deeply personal project for the acclaimed director. The film, which is expected to be a major contender in the 2025-26 awards season, has been described as an emotional journey that resonates with both its stars and the director herself.

Ahead of the Golden Globes, Zhao had a conversation with Seth Rogen, where she discussed her creative process and how her previous work influenced her latest project. During the discussion, Rogen mentioned that one of his episodes on "The Studio" was inspired by Zhao’s film "Nomadland."

"I remember watching it for the first time and it just, like, blew my f–king mind. I had so many questions about how you go about making a movie like this, honestly, because it’s so different and more delicate in many ways," Rogen said. "I was also sort of astounded, I guess, again as somebody who makes movies … your entire third act is, like, unbelievable and incredibly bold and original and not something I’ve ever seen, I don’t think, in a movie before, but something that was incredibly profound in a lot of ways."

Rogen then asked Zhao directly, "What made you confident that this was something that would work?"

Zhao responded, "I think the reason why is because I’ve changed a lot. In my 30s, I was very… I was about going as wide as possible, going one horizon after another and there’s an insatiable restlessness to the camera, so that I’m constantly searching; if I arrive in a place and there’s something more exciting, I forget what I’m doing. I’m going over there."

She continued, "And then in my 40s, I realized I was running away from myself a lot. And so now I was given a story about Shakespeare — it’s about all the world is a stage. So then the challenge became, if I stay still and I don’t run and the only place I can go is below, into the depths of myself, which is like, as you know, uncomfortable. But that’s the journey of this story."

A Busy Weekend for Chloé Zhao

Zhao’s weekend was packed with events, starting with her win at the AARP Movies for Grownups Awards, where she took home the Best Picture award. This was followed by a screening of "Hamnet" in Hollywood Hills, which was accompanied by a star-studded reception at Castillo del Lago on Saturday.

The event attracted a number of notable attendees, including Paul Mescal, Jessie Buckley, Joe Alwyn, Jacobi Jupe, Noah Jupe, original book author Maggie O’Farrell, composer Max Richter, and producers Liza Marshall, Nicolas Gonda, and Pippa Harris. Sir Ben Kingsley hosted the event, and other guests included Lisa Rinna, Harry Hamlin, Lauren Tom, Anya Taylor-Joy, and Vicky Krieps.

"Hamnet" Nominated for Six Golden Globe Awards

As the spotlight continues to shine on "Hamnet," the film has received six Golden Globe Award nominations, including Best Director, Best Motion Picture, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Best Screenplay, and Best Original Score. These nominations highlight the film’s impact and the anticipation surrounding its release.

With its blend of personal storytelling and historical drama, "Hamnet" promises to be a standout film in the coming year. Zhao’s unique approach to filmmaking, combined with the talented cast and crew, ensures that the film will be a significant addition to the cinematic landscape.