Sebastián Lelio dies at 52 — Sebastián Lelio, the Chilean filmmaker who won an Academy Award for directing “A Fantastic Woman,” has died at 52, his partner announced. The director was found dead at his home in the Las Condes district of Santiago, Chile, around noon on Friday by actress Amalia Kassai, according to Chilean news outlet Emol.
Kassai shared a statement on Instagram expressing deep sorrow and confirming that Lelio had died after health complications. The exact cause of death was not immediately known. The statement, signed by the Lelio-Kassai and Campos-Watt families, described him as a wonderful person who made significant contributions to Chilean culture at important moments in its history. The family asked for privacy and consideration during what they called a time of profound grief.
A Career Marked by Acclaim
Lelio’s 2017 drama “A Fantastic Woman” earned him the Oscar for Best International Feature Film in 2018. It was only the second Academy Award ever won by Chile, following the country’s 2016 win for Best Animated Short Film with “Bear Story.” The victory cemented his place among Chile’s most celebrated filmmakers.
His filmography extended well beyond that breakthrough. He directed “Gloria,” “Disobedience,” “The Wonder,” “The Year of the Tiger,” and “The Wave.” Across these projects, he worked with a roster of acclaimed actresses, including Julianne Moore, Rachel Weisz, Rachel McAdams, and Florence Pugh.
At the time of his death, Lelio was filming an adaptation of Alejandro Zambra’s novel “Chilean Poet.” He was also in pre-production on “Voyagers,” a project set to star Andrew Garfield and Daisy Edgar-Jones.
A Partner’s Heartfelt Farewell
Kassai later posted a personal tribute on Instagram, sharing photos and videos of the couple from over the years. In her message, she wrote that she loved him in this life and in all the lives to come, and she noted that he was an important person to many. She added that he illuminated everything around him and that only love remains.
The couple’s relationship was part of the life Lelio built alongside a demanding career. Kassai’s discovery of his body and her subsequent public statements brought a human dimension to the loss that resonated beyond the film industry.
Legacy and Reaction
Lelio’s death prompted an outpouring of grief, though the immediate focus remained on the family’s request for privacy. His contribution to Chilean cinema was underscored by the historic nature of his Oscar win, which brought international attention to the country’s filmmaking community. The news of his passing at 52 also highlighted a career that was still expanding, with two major projects in active development.
As tributes continue to emerge, Lelio is remembered not only for the awards he collected but for the performances he drew from his actors and the stories he told about identity, desire, and resilience. His work left an indelible mark on Latin American cinema and on the international festival circuit, where his films were regularly celebrated.
He is survived by his partner, Amalia Kassai, and by a body of work that will continue to be watched and studied. The family has asked for space to mourn, and further details about memorial arrangements have not been announced.
