Oscar-winning director Sebastian Lelio has died at the age of 52, his devastated family has confirmed
Oscar-winning director Sebastian Lelio has died at the age of 52, his devastated family has confirmed. The director, who is best known for the critically acclaimed A Fantastic Woman, died at his home in Santiago, Chile.
His partner, actress Amalia Kassai, said the star’s death was due to “health reasons”. Sharing a sad tribute on Instagram, she said: ““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. As a family, we ask for respect for our privacy and consideration during these difficult times.”
The statement was signed by the Lelio Kassai and Campos Watt families.
Fans of the star were quick to share tributes online as the news broke. One user on X, formerly known as Twitter, wrote: “Rest in peace Sebastian Lelio thank you for Disobedience and Una mujer fantástica.”
Another said: “Rest in peace, Sebastián Lelio. It was an honor to celebrate his film ‘A Fantastic Woman’, winner of Best International Film at the 2018 Film Independent Spirit Awards.
“We hope his words continue to inspire filmmakers to be audacious and never stop creating.”
And a third wrote: “Sebastián Lelio has sadly passed away. He will go down in history as the director of the first Chilean film to win the Oscar for Best International Feature Film with ‘A FANTASTIC WOMAN’
“He went on to direct acclaimed films starring Florence Pugh, Julianne Moore, Rachel Weisz and Rachel McAdams.”
His 2017 Oscar-winning film, A Fantastic Woman starred Daniela Vega as a trans woman who had become implicated in the accidental death of her older boyfriend.
The following year at won the prestigious gong, taking the title of best foreign language film. It also led to reforms for trans identification in Chile.
Other accolades the film received including the Best International Film at the Independent Spirit Awards.
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