Those who tuned in to witness the documentary “American Factory” win an Academy Award may have noticed Julia Reichert proudly and boldly sporting a bald head. The four-time Oscar nominated filmmaker has been battling a resurgence of terminal cancer throughout the nomination process. She endured in spite of her suffering, maintaining a strong image of serene courage.

“What I have is incurable and fatal,” she explained with placid resolve. “There are new treatments all the time.