Award-winning Belgian actress Émilie Dequenne has sadly passed away due to cancer at the age of 43. The news of her demise has cast a shadow over the film community, as Dequenne was a celebrated talent known for her powerful performances in French cinema.
She gained international recognition in 1999 when she won the Best Actress award at the Cannes Film Festival for her debut role in the poignant film "Rosetta." Directed by Luc and Jean-Pierre Dardenne, the film, which tells the story of a teenager's struggle for a better life, also received the coveted Palme d'Or at Cannes. Dequenne's authentic portrayal captivated audiences and critics alike, showcasing her extraordinary talent at a mere 18 years old.
In 2012, she earned another Cannes award for her performance in "À Perdre la Raison (Our Children)" and received a Cesar Award in 2021 for "Les Choses Qu'on Dit, les Choses Qu'on Fait (The Things We Say, the Things We Do)." While she primarily acted in French-language films, Dequenne also made an impression as a police officer in the 2014 BBC drama "The Missing."
The Dardenne brothers paid tribute to Dequenne, recalling her ability to unite the film crew during the challenging shoots. "It got better and better as the shoot progressed... She was magnificent and the film owes a lot to her," Luc Dardenne stated in his tribute.
Last year, Dequenne graced the Cannes red carpet once again, showcasing her enduring spirit, despite her health struggles. In October 2023, she revealed her battle with adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC), a serious form of cancer affecting the adrenal glands. One of her final Instagram posts, shared on World Cancer Day, emphasized her courageous fight against the illness.
Tributes have poured in from the film community, including remarks from French Minister of Culture Rachida Dati, who lamented the loss of such a talented actress, asserting that Francophone cinema has lost "too soon" an artist with so much left to offer. Émilie Dequenne's contributions to film and her inspiring journey will be forever remembered by her fans and colleagues alike.
