How Florence Pugh Honored Sebastián Lelio: A Heartfelt Tribute Over Dinner

A Personal Farewell to Sebastián Lelio

Florence Pugh found a deeply personal way to commemorate the late Sebastián Lelio. Just before she received the heartbreaking news of his passing, she had prepared a lovely meal featuring a prime cut of beef paired with a bottle of red wine. Despite the sorrow, she decided to enjoy the meal, reflecting on her friendship with him. On November 9, 2026, she shared her feelings in an Instagram post, three days after Lelio's death at the age of 52.

The two had collaborated on the film 'The Wonder' in 2022, but their bond extended beyond the set. In her tribute, Pugh emphasized the significance of food in their friendship. She recounted the experience of cooking the beef, pouring herself a glass of wine, and smiling through her tears, often imagining him smiling back at her from across the table.

The Friendship Between Pugh and Lelio

Florence Pugh and Sebastián Lelio first crossed paths while working on 'The Wonder', a period drama where she portrays Lib Wright, an English nurse tasked with caring for a young girl in Ireland who is believed to have not eaten for months. In her tribute, Pugh reflected on their discussions regarding the script, but the majority of her memories revolved around their shared love for food. She fondly recalled their exclamations of "OH RED WINE" whenever it was mentioned.

During their time in Dublin, Lelio often took her out to dine, where conversations about the film would frequently shift to the culinary delights before them. Pugh expressed a particular fondness for those evenings, where they could set aside work and simply enjoy each other's company over a meal.

Pugh's Emotional Reflection on Lelio's Passing

In her heartfelt message, Florence Pugh conveyed her disbelief over Sebastián Lelio's passing. She reminisced about his striking blue eyes, describing him as gentle and sensitive, with a profound care for women's stories. She praised him as a brilliant artist and director who used his films to explore women's experiences, struggles, and pain, expressing her heartbreak over his loss.

One lighter memory she shared was of Lelio's love for dancing, as he encouraged her to embrace it, even when she felt awkward, which she humorously referred to as "ugly but human dancing". She concluded her tribute by sending love to his family and friends, raising a glass in his honor.

Remembering Sebastián Lelio

Sebastián Lelio was a renowned Chilean filmmaker, celebrated internationally for his film 'A Fantastic Woman', which tells the story of a transgender woman navigating the challenges of her partner's death and societal prejudice. This film won the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film in 2018. His impressive filmography also includes titles like 'Gloria', 'Disobedience', 'Gloria Bell', and 'The Wonder'.

Lelio passed away on November 6, 2026, with his partner, actress Amalia Kassai, announcing the news via an Instagram statement. She revealed that he had succumbed to health complications, though the specific cause was not disclosed, and requested privacy for the family. Reports indicated that he had begun filming 'Poeta Chileno', an adaptation of Alejandro Zambra's novel, in September 2026. For Florence Pugh, remembering Lelio meant cherishing the moments they shared beyond the film set: the dinners in Dublin, their endless conversations about food, and the red wine poured in his memory.