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Sebastián Lelio, Oscar-Winning Chilean Filmmaker, Dies at 52
· Confirmed
In Short: Oscar-winning Chilean filmmaker Sebastián Lelio has died at the age of 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.
Lelio was found dead at his home in the Las Condes section of Santiago, Chile, by Kassai, who then contacted police.
Born in Mendoza, Argentina, Lelio moved to Chile at age two and studied at the Chilean Film School.
Lelio's other notable works include 'Gloria,' 'The Wonder,' 'Disobedience,' and 'The Year of the Tiger.' He had begun filming 'Poeta Chileno' based on the book by Alejandro Zambra in September.
Lelio's family confirmed the news in a social media post from Kassai, stating, 'With great sadness we announce the death due to health reasons of the Chilean filmmaker Sebastián Lelio. We are living through a moment of great pain and his memory will be with us forever.'
The Chilean director and screenwriter was known for his humanistic approach and collaborations with renowned actors such as Julianne Moore, Rachel Weisz, and Florence Pugh.
Lelio's death marks a significant loss for Chilean cinema, with his family and colleagues expressing their sorrow. 'He was a beautiful person who contributed to Chilean culture in great moments of its history,' a statement read.
Lelio's passing comes as he was preparing to film 'Poeta Chileno,' a project based on the book by Alejandro Zambra.
Lelio's work, including 'A Fantastic Woman,' which also won the Independent Spirit Award for best international film, will continue to be celebrated for its groundbreaking portrayal of transgender issues and its impact on the film industry.
Background
Chilean filmmaker Sebastián Lelio, known for his acclaimed film 'A Fantastic Woman,' has died at the age of 52 due to health reasons.
Oscar-winning Chilean filmmaker Sebastián Lelio died Friday at the age of 52 due to unspecified health reasons, according to his partner Amalia Kassai.
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
- 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.
- Lelio’s other works include "Gloria," "The Wonder," and “Disobedience.” He had begun filming “Poeta Chileno” in September.
- 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 was known for his groundbreaking film “A Fantastic Woman,” which portrayed a transgender woman and won the Academy Award for best international film.
- “His memory will remain forever among us,” the family said.
- Born in Argentina, Lelio moved to Chile at age two and studied at the Chilean Film School.
- His family confirmed the news in a social media post from Lelio’s partner Amalia Kassai, and local media in Chile reported that he was found dead at his home.
- 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
- Throughout his filmmaking career, he earned recognition for several films.
- Sony originally pegged it at $20M, but it's now being reported at $40M.