The word "zhao" refers to a Chinese term typically used in the context of the film industry. It specifically refers to the position of a director of photography or cinematographer. In this case, it is a reference to Chloé Zhao, who won the Oscar for Best Director in 2021 for her film "Nomadland."
Note: The provided meaning of the answer is for the latest New York Times crossword puzzle clue: Oscar-winning director Chloé. Explanations are generated by AI and may be inaccurate.