In 2021, Chloé Zhao made history as the first woman of color to win the Best Director Oscar for her film Nomadland. Now, her latest film Hamnet is up for eight Oscar nominations including her second nod for Best Director. The film, an adaptation of Maggie O’Farrell’s novel of the same name, stars Paul Mescal and Jessie Buckley as William Shakespeare and his wife Agnes as they navigate the death of their child. Zhao spoke with Elvis at this year’s Sundance Film Festival where she was the recipient of the 2026 Trailblazer Award. Zhao talks about getting her start at Sundance, collaborating with Farrell on the screenplay, and how she uses her body in the writing process. Do you love listening to The Treatment? We want to hear from you! Please take a moment to share your feedback in this survey so we can make your listening experience better. Thank you!

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“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

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