You may or may not be familiar with Greta Gerwig – the indie actress, who’s already garnered critical acclaim for starring in and co-writing films such as Frances Ha and Mistress America. Now, her directorial debut, Lady Bird, is up for an Oscar next month, catapulting Gerwig’s career to new heights. Let’s know more about the Lady Bird director below.

For one thing, Gerwig is standing out in a male-dominated industry. In fact, she’s only the fifth female in history to be nominated for best director at the Oscars. What’s more, her cast describes her as being “collaborative, loving and providing a safe space.” And maybe this is how Gerwig is making Lady Bird audiences feel, too – safe and sound.

It’s a coming-of-age story, that beautifully portrays a mother-daughter relationship, replete with love, control and conflict, along with high school and all it’s challenges, including peer pressure, boys, friendships, and awkward moments.

“Lady Bird” is a self-imposed nickname, which the lead character, Christine (played by Saoirse Ronan) uses to create a strong self-identify and rebel against traditions and norms.

Some critics see a tender, yet funny, autobiographical turn to Gerwig’s own life in this directorial debut. And perhaps drawing on her own experiences, and what she knows, is what’s making Gerwig’s film so sensational. After all, aren’t writers encourage to write about what they know?

But this film isn’t all about Gerwig. In fact, she thoroughly enjoyed the “collaborative art” of filmmaking. In an interview she shared that directing is “an amazing combination of it being your vision and your words but then also giving it to the people you’re working with and I loved it. I can’t wait to do it again.”

And considering the praise and attention Lady Bird is receiving, we’re already excited for her next film.