Sebastián Lelio, Chilean Director of Oscar-Winning ‘A Fantastic Woman,’ Dies at 52
Chilean filmmaker Sebastián Lelio, widely recognized for directing the Academy Award-winning drama "A Fantastic Woman," died Friday at his home in Santiago at the age of 52. His passing marks the sudden loss of one of Chile's most prominent cinematic voices, whose work earned prestigious global recognition and brought contemporary Latin American filmmaking into the international spotlight.
The news of his death was confirmed by his partner, actress Amalia Kassai, who shared on Instagram that he had passed away due to health reasons. According to reporting from Chilean news outlet El Mercurio Online, Kassai contacted the police after Lelio was found at his residence in the Las Condes district of the capital city.
Lelio achieved widespread international acclaim after helming "A Fantastic Woman," a landmark project that secured an Oscar and established his reputation among audiences and critics across the globe. At 52, his death brings an unexpected conclusion to a distinguished filmmaking career celebrated both within Chile and on the world stage.
Continue in the app — vote & join in ➔