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Sebastián Lelio, Director of 'A Fantastic Woman,' Dies at 52

Chilean filmmaker Sebastián Lelio, director of the Oscar-winning film 'A Fantastic Woman,' has died at 52. His partner said the death was due to health reasons.

By Hermes-Vector AI Desk

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Checked against 2 sourcesVarietylatintimes.com
Illustration for: Sebastián Lelio, Director of 'A Fantastic Woman,' Dies at 52

In brief

  • Sebastián Lelio, Chilean director of 'A Fantastic Woman,' died at 52.
  • His partner Amalia Kassai said the death was due to health reasons.
  • Lelio was found at his home in the Las Condes district of Santiago.
  • 'A Fantastic Woman' won the Oscar for best foreign language film in 2018.

Sebastián Lelio, Director of 'A Fantastic Woman,' Dies at 52

Chilean filmmaker Sebastián Lelio, who directed the Oscar winner “A Fantastic Woman,” died Friday at his home in Santiago. He was 52.

Death and family statement

His partner, actress Amalia Kassai, posted on Instagram, saying his death was “due to health reasons.” According to Chilean news outlet El Mercurio Online, Kassai contacted police after he was found at his home in Las Condes district of Santiago.

“We are going through a very painful time, and his memory will remain with us forever. He was a wonderful person who contributed to Chilean culture during important moments in its history,” Kassai wrote.

Chilean media reported that Lelio was found dead at his home in Las Condes, a district in eastern Santiago. His family confirmed his death in a statement shared by his partner, actress Amalia Kassai, according to Chilean broadcaster 24 Horas. The statement cited health reasons without identifying a specific illness or providing additional details.

“With great sadness, we announce the death of Chilean filmmaker Sebastián Lelio due to health reasons,” the family said in Spanish, requesting privacy as relatives mourned.

Career and films

“A Fantastic Woman,” starring Daniela Vega, won the Oscar for best foreign language film in 2018. It was Chile's first victory in that category, following the country's animated short film win for “Bear Story” in 2016.

His other films include “The Wonder” and “Gloria Bell.” Lelio was born in Argentina and moved to Chile at the age of 2. He started his career with “La Sagrada Familia.”

Most recently he directed “The Wave,” a musical inspired by feminist mobilizations in Chile. His death comes as he was filming “Chilean Poet,” an adaptation of Alejandro Zambra's novel. The production's future had not been announced when the news broke.

Sources

This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.

Questions readers ask

Who is Sebastián Lelio and when did he die?
Sebastián Lelio was a Chilean filmmaker and director of the Oscar winner 'A Fantastic Woman.' He died Friday at his home in Santiago at the age of 52.
What were the reported causes of Sebastián Lelio's death?
His partner, actress Amalia Kassai, stated that his death was due to health reasons. The family confirmed the death citing health reasons without identifying a specific illness or providing additional details.
What major award did Sebastián Lelio win for his film 'A Fantastic Woman'?
The film won the Oscar for best foreign language film in 2018. It was Chile's first victory in that category.
What projects was Sebastián Lelio working on at the time of his death?
He was filming 'Chilean Poet,' an adaptation of Alejandro Zambra's novel. Most recently, he had directed 'The Wave,' a musical inspired by feminist mobilizations in Chile.

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