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College NewsBeyond Brighton
12 January 2026
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Huge congratulations to Old Brightonian and BAFTA- and Oscar-winning director, Chloé Zhao (Fe. 1998-2000), whose stunning new film Hamnet has just won a Golden Globe for Best Picture. The critically acclaimed film is based on Maggie O’Farrell’s book, which offers an imagined look at the life of William Shakespeare and his wife Anne, following the death of their son Hamnet.

We were thrilled when Chloé accepted her Best Director BAFTA for Nomadland in 2021, when she said: “I think I just made my teachers at Brighton College really proud!”

Steve Marshall-Taylor remarked: “We are delighted that Chloé has gone from strength to strength in her directorial career, and know this will continue with her stunning new film Hamnet. We remember Chloé not only for her creativity and drive, but also for her happiness and kindness, qualities cherished at Brighton College.”

Hamnet is Zhao's sixth film, and is tipped to win several Oscars in March - we wish Chloé the very best of luck!