Émilie Dequenne, the celebrated Belgian actress renowned for her powerful performances and two-time Cannes award winner, has tragically passed away from cancer at the young age of 43. Her rise to fame began early, capturing the Best Actress award at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival in 1999 for her unforgettable role in “Rosetta,” directed by the acclaimed Dardenne brothers.
“Rosetta” tells the poignant story of a teenager's battle against relentless hardship, a theme that resonated deeply with audiences. Dequenne was notably a fresh face when she was cast in the film, having been unemployed after losing her job at a food factory. Luc Dardenne, one of the film's directors, praised her ability to unite the cast and crew during filming, stating, “She was magnificent and the film owes a lot to her.”
Besides “Rosetta,” Dequenne continued to leave a lasting impact on the film industry with her performances in “À Perdre la Raison” in 2012, which also earned her acclaim, and a César Award for her role in “Les Choses Qu'on Dit, les Choses Qu'on Fait” in 2021. She also took on the role of police officer Laurence Relaud in the BBC TV drama series “The Missing,” sharing the screen with James Nesbitt.
In a heartbreaking revelation, Dequenne disclosed in October 2023 that she was battling adrenocortical carcinoma, a form of cancer affecting the adrenal glands. Her fight against the illness was documented on her social media. In a poignant post for World Cancer Day, she reflected, “What a tough fight! And we don’t choose…”
The film community is mourning her loss, with tributes flowing in from various quarters. French Minister of Culture Rachida Dati expressed her condolences, noting that “Francophone cinema has lost, too soon, a talented actress who still had so much to offer.” As fans and fellow artists remember Émilie Dequenne, her legacy will undoubtedly live on through her compelling performances and contributions to cinema.
