The article reviews the mechanisms underlying hepatic fibrosis, highlighting recent advances in the field. It emphasizes the activation of hepatic stellate cells as a dominant theme, but also discusses new areas of progress, including the identification of different fibrogenic populations, the role of stellate cells in hepatic inflammation and immunity, and the elucidation of multiple pathways controlling gene expression during stellate cell activation. The article also explores disease-specific pathways of fibrosis, the importance of matrix degradation and resolution, and the links between stellate cells and progenitor cells, fibrosis, and cancer. Clinical and translational implications are discussed, emphasizing the need for continued research to improve the management and outlook for patients with chronic liver disease.The article reviews the mechanisms underlying hepatic fibrosis, highlighting recent advances in the field. It emphasizes the activation of hepatic stellate cells as a dominant theme, but also discusses new areas of progress, including the identification of different fibrogenic populations, the role of stellate cells in hepatic inflammation and immunity, and the elucidation of multiple pathways controlling gene expression during stellate cell activation. The article also explores disease-specific pathways of fibrosis, the importance of matrix degradation and resolution, and the links between stellate cells and progenitor cells, fibrosis, and cancer. Clinical and translational implications are discussed, emphasizing the need for continued research to improve the management and outlook for patients with chronic liver disease.