Apr 27, 2021 - World

China censors Chloé Zhao’s historic Oscar win

Ursula Perano

Chloé Zhao's historic Oscar win to become the first Chinese person and woman of color to win for Best Director on Sunday has gone nearly unmentioned in Chinese media, the New York Times reports.

Why it matters: The Chinese government typically loves to flaunt when its citizens excel on the world stage. But Zhao has been critical of China's communist government, and her win for the film "Nomadland," which also won Best Picture, has largely been censored in the country.

Zhao was born in China, but grew up partially in the U.S. and now lives here.
Zhao still speaks fondly of her Chinese heritage and has frequently spoken about the role Chinese culture plays in her life.

The state of play: No official explanation has been given on the apparent media blackout of Zhao's win. Chinese social media platforms have also censored or deleted user posts about her win, the Times notes.

State-owned paper The Global Times did write in an op-ed that Zhao should play a "mediating role” between China and the U.S.
The paper added that they hope Zhao, 39, can "become more and more mature."

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China censors Chloé Zhao’s historic Oscar win

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