Sofia Coppola works alone.
Sofia Coppola . In 2010 , with the drama Somewhere , she became the first American woman ( and fourth American filmmaker ) to win the Golden Lion , the top prize at the Venice Film Festival . Somewhere (film) . The film follows Johnny Marco ( played by Stephen Dorff ) , a newly famous actor , as he recuperates from a minor injury at the Chateau Marmont , a well-known Hollywood retreat . Despite money , fame and professional success , Marco is trapped in an existential crisis and has an emotionally empty daily life . When his ex-wife suffers an unexplained breakdown and goes away , she leaves Cleo ( Elle Fanning ) , their 11-year-old daughter , in his care . They spend time together and her presence helps Marco mature and accept adult responsibility . The film explores ennui among Hollywood stars , the father -- daughter relationship and offers an oblique comedy of show business , particularly Hollywood film-making and the life of a `` star '' .