Chinese director Chloé Zhao, 38, smiles on screen at the 78th Golden Globe Awards, held Saturday in Beverly Hills, the U.S. Photo: VCG

American actress Bryce Dallas Howard introduces the nominees for the Golden Globe for best director. Photo: VCG

Howard announces Zhao as the winner of the best director award for her drama “Nomadland.” Photo: VCG

Zhao attends a premiere of “Nomadland” on Sept. 11 in Pasadena, the U.S. Photo: VCG

Zhao and American actress Frances McDormand, who plays the main character in the film. Photo: Screenshot from a behind-the-scenes documentary of “Nomadland” by Searchlight Pictures

McDormand films a scene in “Nomadland,” which tells the story of a woman leaving home to live as a modern-day nomad in the American West. Photo: Screenshot from a behind-the-scenes documentary of “Nomadland” by Searchlight Pictures

“Nomadland” was adapted from American journalist Jessica Bruder’s nonfiction book of the same name. The film also won the Golden Globes’ top prize of best dramatic motion picture. Photo: Screenshot from a behind-the-scenes documentary of “Nomadland” by Searchlight Pictures