Pablo Larraín Matte is a celebrated Chilean filmmaker, director, screenwriter, and producer. Born in Santiago in 1976, he has earned international acclaim for crafting provocative, visually striking films that explore complex political histories, national identity, and psychological portraits of famous figures. His extensive filmography spans major international successes such as No, The Club, Neruda, Jackie, Spencer, El Conde, and Maria.
As a leading voice in contemporary Latin American cinema, Larraín balances local historical narratives with global prestige projects. Below is a comprehensive look at his life, career, personal background, family, and filmography.
Pablo Larraín: Wiki & Bio Facts
| Full Name | Pablo Larraín Matte |
| Stage Name | Pablo Larraín |
| Date of Birth | August 19, 1976 |
| Age | 50 years old |
| Place of Birth | Santiago, Chile |
| Nationality | Chilean |
| Height | 5 feet 8 inches (1.72 m) |
| Occupation | Filmmaker, Director, Screenwriter, Producer |
| Parents | Hernán Larraín Fernández and Magdalena Matte Lecaros |
| Siblings | Hernán, Juan de Dios, Magdalena, María José, and Blanca |
| Ex-Spouse | Antonia Zegers (m. 2006-2014) |
| Children | Juana Larraín, Pascual Larraín |
| Net Worth | Estimated at $5 million – $15 million |
Early Life and Family Background
Pablo Larraín Matte was born on August 19, 1976, in Santiago, Chile, into a prominent and politically influential Chilean family. His father, Hernán Larraín Fernández, is a prominent lawyer and politician who served as a senator and president of the Independent Democratic Union. His mother, Magdalena Matte Lecaros, is a businesswoman who served as the Minister of Housing and Urbanism under President Sebastián Piñera.
Growing up alongside five siblings-Hernán, Juan de Dios, Magdalena, María José, and Blanca-Larraín was immersed in a household deeply connected to Chilean public life, law, and business. Despite this political lineage, he pursued an artistic path.
He attended Colegio Apoquindo before transferring to Colegio San Francisco de Asís. Showing an early fascination with visual storytelling, he enrolled at UNIACC University in Santiago, where he studied audiovisual communication and graduated in 1998, establishing the technical foundation for his future directorial career.
Career Beginnings and Fábula Production Company
Larraín began his professional life directing commercials and working in advertising and audiovisual production. In 2003, alongside his brother Juan de Dios Larraín, he co-founded Fábula, a Santiago-based production company that grew into a powerhouse for Chilean and international cinema, producing award-winning features such as Sebastián Lelio’s A Fantastic Woman.
He made his feature directorial debut with Fuga in 2006. He followed this with Tony Manero (2008) and Post Mortem (2010), gritty dramas examining life under military dictatorship and establishing his signature grim, visually textured style.
International Breakthrough and Major Films
Larraín achieved international breakthrough in 2012 with No, a political drama starring Gael García Bernal about the 1988 plebiscite that ousted dictator Augusto Pinochet. Shot uniquely on vintage 16mm video equipment to match the era’s television broadcasts, the film won the Art Cinema Award at Cannes and earned Chile its very first Academy Award nomination for Best Foreign Language Film.
His subsequent projects expanded his global footprint:
- The Club (2015): A dark, probing drama about disgraced Catholic priests that won the Silver Bear Grand Jury Prize at the Berlin International Film Festival.
- Neruda (2016): A poetic, unconventional chase film blending biography and myth regarding poet Pablo Neruda.
- Jackie (2016): Starring Natalie Portman as Jacqueline Kennedy, earning three Academy Award nominations including Best Actress.
- Ema (2019): A vibrant, dance-infused look at modern parenthood and modern art in Valparaíso.
- Spencer (2021): A psychological drama starring Kristen Stewart as Princess Diana during a royal Christmas holiday, securing Stewart an Oscar nomination.
- El Conde (2023): A dark, satirical fantasy portraying Augusto Pinochet as an aging vampire tired of his legacy.
- Maria (2024): A biographical drama starring Angelina Jolie as opera legend Maria Callas, noting Academy Award recognition for its cinematography.
In television, Larraín directed episodes of HBO Latin America’s Prófugos and the Apple TV+ miniseries Lisey’s Story (2021). His upcoming projects include the Netflix feature film Once, tracing events during the September 11, 1973 Chilean coup.
Wife, Children, and Personal Life
Pablo Larraín was previously married to renowned Chilean actress Antonia Zegers. The couple married in December 2006 and divorced in 2014. Despite their separation, they maintained a strong professional and creative partnership, with Zegers starring in several of his films, including The Club and Neruda.
Together, they share two children: a daughter named Juana Larraín and a son named Pascual Larraín. Larraín maintains a private family life, shielding his children from media scrutiny and focusing public conversations squarely on his creative output.
Net Worth
Pablo Larraín’s net worth is estimated to be between $5 million and $15 million. His wealth stems from a successful multi-decade career spanning feature film directing, screenwriting, television production, and advertising. As a co-founder of the Fábula production company, he benefits from production equity, international distribution deals, and high-profile studio collaborations with networks like Netflix, Apple TV+, and Sony Pictures Classics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Pablo Larraín?
Pablo Larraín is an acclaimed Chilean filmmaker, director, screenwriter, and producer internationally recognized for his striking visual style and historical dramas such as No, Jackie, and Spencer.
How old is Pablo Larraín?
Born on August 19, 1976, Pablo Larraín is 50 years old.
Was Pablo Larraín married?
Yes, he was married to Chilean actress Antonia Zegers from 2006 until their divorce in 2014. The couple shares two children, Juana and Pascual.
What are Pablo Larraín’s most famous movies?
His most famous films include No (2012), The Club (2015), Jackie (2016), Spencer (2021), El Conde (2023), and Maria (2024).
What is Pablo Larraín’s net worth?
His net worth is estimated to be between $5 million and $15 million, generated through film direction, production via Fábula, and television projects.
Who are Pablo Larraín’s parents?
He is the son of Hernán Larraín Fernández, a former senator and politician, and Magdalena Matte Lecaros, a businesswoman and former government minister.
