Oscar-Winning Filmmaker Sebastián Lelio Dies at 52

Sebastián Lelio, a prominent figure in the New Chilean Cinema, has left an indelible mark on the world of filmmaking with his critically acclaimed works and unique storytelling. Known for his ability to blend personal narratives with universal themes, Lelio’s films have garnered international acclaim, including the Best International Feature Film Oscar for 'A Fantastic Woman' in 2018 ³.

Lelio’s untimely death at the age of 52 has sent shockwaves through the cinematic community. He was found dead in his home in Santiago on November 6, 2026, reportedly due to an unspecified health issue ³. His partner and fellow artist, Amalia Kassai, discovered his body and shared her grief on social media ³.

Born in Argentina and moving to Chile at the age of two, Lelio’s journey in cinema began with his graduation from the Chilean Film School, where he honed his craft through short films and music videos before making his feature film debut ³. His directorial prowess was evident early on, with 'Gloria' winning the Berlinale Silver Bear Best Actress award for Paulina García in 2013 ³. This success was followed by the remake of 'Gloria' in English as 'Gloria Bell' in 2018, which further cemented his reputation as a versatile and talented filmmaker ³.

Lelio’s most recent work, 'The Wave', premiered at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival in 2025, showcasing his continued creativity and artistic vision ³. At the time of his death, he was also working on the film 'Chilean Poet', indicating that his passion for filmmaking remained undiminished ³.

Throughout his career, Lelio often collaborated with the Chilean brothers Pablo and Juan de Dios Larraín, creating a rich tapestry of cinematic works that resonated with audiences around the globe ³. His contributions to the film industry extend beyond his own works, as he has inspired countless filmmakers and enriched the cultural landscape of Chile and beyond.

What we know

• Sebastián Lelio was a prominent figure in the New Chilean Cinema ¹³
• He died at the age of 52 ²³
• He was found dead in his home in Santiago on November 6, 2026 ³
• 'A Fantastic Woman' won the Best International Feature Film Oscar in 2018 ³
• His death was due to an unspecified health issue ³
• Amalia Kassai, his partner, discovered his body ³
• Lelio was working on the film 'Chilean Poet' at the time of his death ³
• Lelio frequently collaborated with the Chilean brothers Pablo and Juan de Dios Larraín ³
• Lelio was born in Argentina and moved to Chile at age two ³
• Lelio graduated from Chilean Film School and started his career with short films and music videos ³
• 'Gloria' won the Berlinale Silver Bear Best Actress award for Paulina García in 2013 ³
• 'Gloria' was remade in English as 'Gloria Bell' in 2018 ³
• 'Disobedience' grossed nearly $3.5 million in North America in 2018 ³
• 'The Wave' premiered at Cannes in 2025 ³