CONGRATULATIONS have flooded in for a filmmaker after she triumphed at the Oscars.

Nomadland director Chloe Zhao, who attended Brighton College, won best director – becoming the first woman of colour to do so.

Chloe, who was born in China before moving from Beijing to Brighton at the age of 14.

Brighton College were among the first to congratulate Chloe after she made history at Sunday night’s ceremony.

A spokesman said: “Congratulations to Old Brightonian Chloé Zhao, who became the second woman ever to win the award for best director in last night's BAFTAs awards ceremony.

“Chloé's remarkable film Nomadland also received trophies for best picture, best actress and best cinematography.

“In her acceptance speech for the best director award, Chloé said she thinks she will have made her Brighton College teachers ‘very proud’. All we can say in response is yes - we are all very proud of you, Chloe.”

Chloe, who was born in China, moved from Beijing to Brighton at the age of 14, despite speaking little English.

Alison Withers, a former teacher at Brighton College, said what she remembers most about her former student is that she “loved” a challenge.

She told BBC South East Today: "She came to a different country, a different culture, was always questioning why we did things, and just was willing to get stuck in.

“She was clearly very bright and picked up English terribly quickly."

Nomadland, which follows itinerant communities in the post-recession US, also picked up best actress for its star Frances McDormand.

The film, Zhao’s third, took the top prize at ceremonies including the Golden Globes, Critics’ Choice Awards, Gotham Independent Film Awards, Baftas, British Independent Film Awards, Directors Guild of America Awards, Producers Guild Awards and the Independent Spirit Awards.

Last year it won the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival and the people’s choice award at the Toronto Film Festival.

Chloe, 39 won the Golden Globe and the Bafta for best director, alongside wins at the Critics’ Choice Awards, Directors Guild of America Awards and the Independent Spirit Awards.

She became only the second woman to win the best director Oscar, following Kathryn Bigelow in 2010 for The Hurt Locker.