Entertainment · Film · 1 hr ago
Chilean filmmaker Sebastián Lelio dies at 52
Chilean filmmaker Sebastián Lelio has died in Santiago at 52, his family said on Friday, citing health reasons without giving a cause.
Born in Argentina, Lelio moved to Chile as a toddler and became one of the country’s best-known filmmakers abroad.
His 2017 film “A Fantastic Woman” won the 2018 international-feature Oscar, with Daniela Vega playing a transgender woman facing discrimination.
The film helped bring greater attention to transgender representation in cinema.
Lelio also directed “Gloria,” “Disobedience” and “The Wonder,” working with actors including Julianne Moore, Rachel Weisz and Florence Pugh.
He was working on “Chilean Poet,” based on Alejandro Zambra’s novel, when he died.
The sources do not say what will happen to the unfinished film.
Chilean filmmaker Sebastián Lelio, who directed the Oscar-winning film “A Fantastic Woman,” has died at 52.
He was found at his home in Santiago on Friday, November 6, according to the reports.
His family said he died “for health reasons”; the specific health issue was not disclosed.
Lelio was working on “Chilean Poet,” an adaptation of Alejandro Zambra’s novel.
His film career included “Gloria,” “Disobedience” and “Gloria Bell.”
- Who
- Sebastián Lelio, a Chilean filmmaker and Oscar winner.
- What
- He died at age 52.
- When
- Friday, November 6, 2026.
- Where
- At his home in Santiago, Chile; El País identified the location as Las Condes.
- Why
- His family said he died for health reasons. The specific health issue was not stated.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Lelio was born in Mendoza, Argentina, on March 8.
His family moved from Argentina to Chile.
Gloria” earned Paulina García the Berlinale Silver Bear for Best Actress.
A Fantastic Woman” won the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film.
Lelio’s film “The Wave” premiered at the Cannes Film Festival.
Lelio was found dead at his home in Santiago.
- Age
- 52
- Oscar-winning film
- A Fantastic Woman
- Oscar year
- 2018
- Birthplace
- Mendoza, Argentina
- Final film
- The Wave,” premiered at Cannes in 2025
- Unfinished project
- Chilean Poet,” adapted from Alejandro Zambra’s novel
4 sources
What people are saying
We are going through a moment of much pain, and his memory will always remain with us.
The film is a game. I think viewers who take it seriously will not be able to get into it.
The culture war has been openly declared and the dismantling of universities in the United States is a terminal sign.