An acclaimed American film and television director, she is known for her nuanced storytelling and exploration of complex family dynamics. Her breakthrough came with the 1998 film "High Art," earning critical praise for its intimate portrayal of relationships. She gained further recognition with "The Kids Are All Right" (2010), which received multiple Academy Award nominations. Her work often highlights LGBTQ+ themes, and she has directed episodes for popular TV series like "Six Feet Under" and "Olive Kitteridge," the latter winning her an Emmy.