We’re expecting Chloé Zhao to make history as the sixth woman to receive a nod for Best Director when Oscar nominations are announced March 15 — and are hoping she’s joined by Regina King in the category — but she’s already being written into record books. The writer-director just became the first woman to receive the Director of the Year Award from the Palm Springs International Film Awards. A press release confirmed the news.

The festival and gala isn’t taking place this year due to COVID-19 but awardees are still being recognized. Carey Mulligan was previously announced as the recipient of International Star Award for Emerald Fennell’s revenge thriller “Promising Young Woman.”

Zhao is being recognized for “Nomadland,” her third feature. The Frances McDormand-starrer tells the story of a 60-something woman who lives in her camper van and travels across the American West.

“Director and screenwriter Chloé Zhao’s ‘Nomadland’ is a film that captures the triumph of the human spirit,” said Festival Chairman Harold Matzner. He described the drama as “extremely unique and well done,” declaring it “one of the most accomplished films of the year.”

The winner of Venice Film Festival’s Golden Lion and Toronto Film Festival’s People’s Choice Award, “Nomadland” has cleaned up this awards season, taking home honors from the Gotham Awards and The National Society of Film Critics, among others.

Zhao’s other credits include “The Rider” and “Songs My Brothers Taught Me.” Next up for her is “The Eternals,” a Marvel pic about super-powered individuals fighting to control the universe.

“Nomadland” hits select IMAX locations January 29 and launches in theaters and on Hulu February 19.