Explanation
Correct answer: B.
Choice B is the best answer. “Previously” logically signals that the event described in this sentence—Bigelow being named best director—occurred before Zhao’s win. The fact that only one other woman had won the award before puts Zhao’s win in perspective.
Why the other choices are wrong
Choice A
Choice A is incorrect because “as a result” illogically signals that the event described in this sentence occurred as a result or consequence of Zhao’s win. Instead, it occurred before Zhao was named best director and puts Zhao’s win in perspective.
Choice C
Choice C is incorrect because “however” illogically signals that the event described in this sentence occurred in spite of or in contrast to Zhao’s win. Instead, it occurred before Zhao was named best director and puts Zhao’s win in perspective.
Choice D
Choice D is incorrect because “likewise” illogically signals that this sentence merely adds a second, similar piece of information to the information about Zhao’s win. Instead, the fact that only one other woman had won the award before puts Zhao’s win in perspective.