Chloé Zhao is balancing a new career path with a busy awards season. She recently completed Level 1 death-doula training in the United Kingdom, a move she said helps her confront a lifelong fear of death. Meanwhile, her latest film Hamnet is gathering momentum, earning nominations at the Oscars and a Golden Globe win.
At a Glance
- Zhao finished death-doula training in the U.K.
- Hamnet has nine Oscar nominations and a Golden Globe.
- She cites a personal midlife crisis and loss of a relationship as catalysts for her work.
- Why it matters: Zhao’s dual focus highlights how personal anxieties can shape creative work and public dialogue about death.
Training as a Death Doula
Zhao told The New York Times on January 24, 2026 that she had just finished Level 1 training. The program required research into Indigenous cultures worldwide, exploring how these societies approach death and dying historically and today. She noted that while grief remains constant, cultural attitudes toward death have shifted dramatically.
During a session, Zhao observed that modern society often treats death as something to be avoided, a contrast to earlier times when it was integrated into daily life. She added that the medicalization of death has introduced shame around the natural process.
The training also covered practical skills, such as offering emotional support and navigating legal aspects of end-of-life care. Zhao emphasized that the role demands a compassionate presence for families and friends during their most vulnerable moments.
The Role of a Death Doula
The International End of Life Doula Association defines a death doula as a professional who provides personalized, compassionate support to individuals, families, and their circles of care as they encounter and navigate death. This definition aligns with Zhao’s stated goal: to help people accept death as a part of life rather than a taboo.
Zhao explained that her interest stems from a deep-rooted fear. “Because I have been terrified of death my whole life,” she said, “I still am.” She believes that confronting this fear can free her to live more fully and love without reservation.
Hamnet’s Background and Plot
Hamnet is adapted from Maggie O’Farrell’s 2020 novel, which follows the family of William Shakespeare as they cope with the death of their son Hamnet. The film stars Paul Mescal as Shakespeare and Jacobi Jupe as Hamnet. Zhao’s direction focuses on the emotional landscape of grief, echoing her own recent explorations.
The story examines how a 16th-century family processes loss, offering a historical lens that parallels contemporary experiences. Zhao notes that the grief of losing a loved one doesn’t change, though the cultural context does.
Hamnet’s Accolades
On January 22, 2026, Hamnet received nine Oscar nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Adapted Screenplay. The film also captured the Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture – Drama on January 11, 2026. These honors place Zhao among a select group of filmmakers who have achieved both critical acclaim and industry recognition.
Her earlier work, Nomadland, earned her Oscars for Best Picture and Best Director in 2021. The success of Hamnet continues that trajectory, demonstrating her sustained impact on contemporary cinema.
Personal Life and Relationships
Zhao’s personal life has seen significant changes. In a November 2025 interview with Vanity Fair, she mentioned the end of a romantic relationship with British cinematographer Joshua James Richards, who collaborated with her on Nomadland, The Rider, and Songs My Brother Taught Me. This breakup coincided with a period of intense personal loss.
She described the series of losses as “one after another personal loss,” indicating that grief has permeated both her private and professional spheres.
Midlife Crisis Perspective
When speaking with The New York Times, Zhao alluded to experiencing a midlife crisis in her 40s. She framed it positively, stating, “It’s the best thing that can happen to you, because you’re on your way to a rebirth.” This view suggests that she sees personal upheaval as a catalyst for growth.
She believes that confronting mortality head-on can lead to a healthier relationship with life’s inevitable endings, thereby reducing the terror that has long held her back.
Fear of Death and Its Impact on Creativity
Zhao’s fear of death has influenced her artistic choices. She said, “I haven’t been able to love with my heart open because I’m so scared of losing love, which is a form of death.” This admission reveals how deeply intertwined her personal anxieties are with her creative output.
By training as a death doula, she aims to transform that fear into a source of empathy, both for her own life and for the characters she brings to the screen.
Timeline of Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| January 10, 2026 | Zhao appears at the Golden Globes. |
| January 11, 2026 | Hamnet wins Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture – Drama. |
| January 22, 2026 | Hamnet receives nine Oscar nominations. |
| January 24, 2026 | Zhao completes Level 1 death-doula training in the U.K. |
Key Takeaways
- Zhao’s death-doula training reflects a personal quest to confront mortality.
- Hamnet continues her streak of Oscar-winning work, underscoring her influence in film.
- Her candid discussion of fear and loss offers a rare glimpse into the mind of a celebrated director.
- The blending of personal growth and professional ambition illustrates how artists can channel vulnerability into creative excellence.
- Zhao’s journey invites broader conversations about death, grief, and the human experience.
