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Oscar-Winning Chilean Director Sebastián Lelio Dies at 52
Confirmed
In Short: Oscar-winning Chilean filmmaker Sebastián Lelio, known for 'A Fantastic Woman,' has died at age 52 due to unspecified health reasons.
Oscar-winning Chilean filmmaker Sebastián Lelio died Friday at the age of 52 due to unspecified health reasons, according to his partner, actress Amalia Kassai, who announced the news on social media.
Lelio was found dead at his home in the Las Condes district of Santiago, Chile, by Kassai, who contacted local authorities.
His family released a statement saying, 'His memory will remain forever among us.' Lelio won the 2018 Academy Award for best international film for 'A Fantastic Woman,' starring trans actress Daniela Vega.
Lelio's other notable works include 'Gloria,' 'The Wonder,' and 'Disobedience.' He had begun filming 'Poeta Chileno' based on the book by Alejandro Zambra.
Lelio's career included collaborations with renowned actors such as Julianne Moore, Rachel Weisz, and Florence Pugh.
Lelio was born in Argentina and moved to Chile at age two. He studied journalism for a year before enrolling at the Chilean Film School.
In addition to 'Poeta Chileno,' Lelio was also developing an English-language project called 'Voyagers,' starring Andrew Garfield and Daisy Edgar-Jones.
The director's passing has been mourned by the Hollywood community, with tributes pouring in from around the world.
Lelio's work was celebrated for its humanistic approach and innovative storytelling, pushing boundaries within various film genres.
What this adds
Background
Oscar-winning Chilean filmmaker Sebastián Lelio, known for his acclaimed drama 'A Fantastic Woman,' has died at age 52 due to health reasons.
Oscar-winning Chilean filmmaker Sebastián Lelio has died at the age of 52 due to unspecified health reasons.
A Fantastic Woman is a 2017 drama film directed by Sebastián Lelio, co-written with Gonzalo Maza. A co-production of Chile, Germany, Spain, and the United States, it stars Daniela Vega as Marina, a young trans woman living in Santiago alongside her partner Orlando.
What's confirmed
- “His memory will remain forever among us,” the family said.
- “He was a beautiful person who contributed to Chilean culture in great moments of its history.” Lelio won the 2018 Academy Award for best international film (formerly known as foreign language film) for “A Fantastic Woman,” starring trans actress Daniela Vega as a waitress and nightclub singer whose life is torn by the death of her boyfriend.
- Lelio’s other films include “Gloria,” “The Wave,” “The Wonder,” “Disobedience,” and “The Year of the Tiger.” Throughout his career, he collaborated with Julianne Moore, Rachel Weisz and Florence Pugh.
- SANTIAGO, Chile (AP) — Oscar-winning Chilean filmmaker Sebastián Lelio, whose acclaimed drama “A Fantastic Woman” broke ground with its portrayal of a transgender woman, has died in Santiago, Chile, at 52.
- Lelio had begun filming “Poeta Chileno” (Chilean Poet) based on the book by Alejandro Zambra in September.
- He studied journalism for a year before enrolling at the Chilean Film School.
- FILE - Sebastian Lelio, winner of the award for best foreign language film for "A Fantastic Woman", poses in the press room at the Oscars in Los Angeles on March 4, 2018.
- FILE - Florence Pugh and Sebastián Lelio, left, pose for photographers at the premiere of the film "The Wonder" during the 2022 BFI London Film Festival in London on Oct.
- FILE - Director Sebastian Lelio appears at the photocall for the film "La Ola" at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France on May 17, 2025.
- FILE - Director Sebastian Lelio poses for a portrait for the film "La Ola" at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, on May 18, 2025.
- Sebastián Lelio, the humanistic Chilean filmmaker whose trans drama “A Fantastic Woman” won the Best International Feature Film Oscar in 2018, has died at age 52.
- Sebastián Lelio, the Chilean filmmaker whose "A Fantastic Woman" made Academy Awards history and whose international career included collaborations with Julianne Moore, Rachel Weisz, and Florence Pugh, died Friday, Nov. 6, at 52.
What's still developing
- Nothing material beyond the confirmed record.