Sebastián Lelio, Oscar-winning Chilean director, dies at 52

Acclaimed Chilean filmmaker Sebastián Lelio has died at the age of 52 in Santiago, Chile. His partner, actress Amalia Kassai, announced his passing via Instagram, citing health reasons without specifying the exact cause of death. Lelio was found in his home in the Las Condes district.

Lelio was a transformative figure in international cinema, best known for directing “A Fantastic Woman” (2017), which won the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film. The film, starring Daniela Vega, was a landmark for Chilean cinema and contributed to national legislative discussions regarding gender identity. His other notable works include “Gloria” (2013), “Disobedience” (2017), and the English-language remake “Gloria Bell” (2018), starring Julianne Moore.

The Chilean government has decreed two days of official mourning in recognition of his cultural contributions. Colleagues and actors, including Julianne Moore and Daniela Vega, have shared tributes praising his empathy, rigor, and ability to portray diverse human experiences with dignity. At the time of his death, Lelio was reportedly working on a new project, “Poeta Chileno.”