In a statement shared on Instagram, Kassai announced the news “with great sadness,” stating that Lelio died “following health complications.” The statement, signed by the Lelio-Kassai and Campos-Watt families, noted that the family was experiencing profound grief and requested privacy during this difficult time. At the time of reporting, the exact cause of death had not been officially released by law enforcement or medical authorities.
Kassai later posted a tribute to Lelio, describing him as an important figure who “illuminated everything and everything around him.” She wrote, “I love you in this life and in all the lives to come… Only love remains.” The statement emphasized Lelio’s significant contributions to Chilean culture during pivotal moments in its history.
Lelio’s death interrupts an active period of professional work. According to industry sources, he was in the midst of filming an adaptation of Alejandro Zambra’s novel “Chilean Poet” in Santiago at the time of his death. He was also in pre-production on the film “Voyagers,” which stars Andrew Garfield and Daisy Edgar-Jones. His recent filmography includes “The Wonder” (2022), starring Florence Pugh, and “Gloria Bell” (2018), starring Julianne Moore.
Lelio achieved international prominence in 2018 when “A Fantastic Woman,” starring Daniela Vega, won the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film. This victory marked the first time a Chilean feature-length film received the honor, following Chile’s 2016 Oscar win for Best Animated Short Film with “Bear Story.” The award cemented Lelio’s status as a leading figure in global cinema, having previously directed films such as “Disobedience” (2017) and “The Wave” (2019).
Lelio was born in Mendoza, Argentina, and moved to Chile, where he established his career. He made his directorial debut in 2006 with “The Sacred Family” and gained further recognition with “Gloria” (2013), which earned Paulina García the Silver Bear for Best Actress at the Berlin Film Festival. Throughout his career, he collaborated with acclaimed actors including Rachel Weisz, Rachel McAdams, and Julianne Moore.
Authorities in Chile have not announced whether an autopsy will be conducted or when further details regarding the circumstances of his death will be made public. The family has requested that the public respect their privacy as they navigate this period of loss.
