The 28-year-old Zhao beat Mark Williams 18-12 to clinch both the illustrious crown and a cheque for £500,000.

Director Chloe Zhao had revealed she was nervous to work with Angelina Jolie in the Marvel superhero movie Eternals as she admired the actress, but said Jolie “really understood” what she was trying to do with the film.

Oscar-winning filmmaker Chloe Zhao was originally in the running to direct Black Widow before Marvel offered her Eternals, studio boss Kevin Feige said.

Nomadland’s Chloe Zhao has made history at the Golden Globes by becoming the first Asian woman to be named best director. The US-based 38-year-old, who was born in China, is also only the second woman to win the award.

Nomadland’s Chloe Zhao has made history at the Golden Globes by becoming the first Asian woman to be named best director. The US-based 38-year-old, who was born in China, is also only the second woman to win the award.