Sebastián Lelio, Oscar-Winning Director, Dies at 52

Lelio’s partner, actress Amalia Kassai, announced his death in a social media post, saying it followed health complications. She did not give an exact cause and asked for privacy for the family. Lelio was found at his home in Santiago’s Las Condes district.

Kassai described him as a wonderful person whose work enriched Chile’s cultural life during defining periods in the nation’s past. She said his memory would remain with those close to him.

Lelio directed A Fantastic Woman, starring Daniela Vega, which received the 2018 Oscar in the international film category. His other films included Gloria Bell and The Wonder. Born in Argentina, he relocated to Chile at age 2, later beginning his film career with La Sagrada Familia.

His recent work included The Wave, a musical shaped by Chilean feminist protests. He had also been filming Chilean Poet, an adaptation of a novel by Alejandro Zambra.