Oscar-winning Hollywood director found dead at his home by wife

His partner, actress Amalia Kassia, confirmed the tragic news late last night, with reports claiming the star rang the police after finding Mr Lelio at home.

Penning a heartfelt tribute on social media, the grief-stricken star confirmed her husband had passed away.

“We are going through a very painful time, and his memory will remain with us forever,” Ms Kassai wrote.

She added: “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.”

And, in a more personal post, Ms Kassai said: “I love you in this life and all the ones to come. I know that to many Seba is an important person. He lit up everything and everything around him.

“Thank you for your messages of love and support but I am not able to answer anything.

“We will let you know the plans soon so you can say goodbye to him. Only love is left.”

The filmmaker won critical acclaim for his 2017 groundbreaking work, A Fantastic Woman, which told the story of a transgender waitress who was implicated in the death of her boyfriend.

At the 90th Academy Awards, it won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film representing Chile, the nation’s first ever win.

Mr Lelio also gained international attention for his directorial work on The Wonder and Gloria Bell, starring Julianne Moore, John Turturro and Michael Cera.

The film with Ms Moore was an adaptation of Gloria, a film he had whipped up earlier in his career, with award-winning actress Paulina Garcia.

In 2017, the director released Disobedience, starring Rachel Weisz and Rachel McAdams, detailing how a young woman returns to her childhood Orthodox community.

Born in 1974 in Argentina, Mr Lelio moved to Chile by the time he turned two, alongside his mother.

During his life, he described his childhood as “nomadic”, explaining that he never lived for more than two or three years in any city until he turned 21.

When he was older, Mr Lelio changed his surname to his adoptive father’s, but resumed using his biological father’s name once he released his first film.

He started honing his multidimensional craft in 2005 with La Sagrada Familia, directing short films as well as music videos.

Back in 2022, he told The Guardian: “I love working with actors, and need to know they trust me and can explore, get lost, be foolish or brave, and I’ll take care of them.

“I love working on set – it is where the sparkle is.”