Émilie Dequenne, the celebrated Belgian actress known for her poignant roles and multiple awards, has died at the age of 43 following a courageous battle with cancer. Best known for her performances in "Rosetta" and "Our Children," she was a remarkable talent whose contributions to French cinema touched many.
Tributes Flow as Award-Winning Actress Émilie Dequenne Dies at 43

Tributes Flow as Award-Winning Actress Émilie Dequenne Dies at 43
Beloved Belgian actress Émilie Dequenne passes away after a battle with cancer, leaving behind a legacy of acclaimed performances.
Award-winning Belgian actress Émilie Dequenne has passed away at the age of 43 after a brave fight against cancer. She gained fame and recognition at just 18, winning the best actress award at the Cannes Film Festival for her breakthrough role in the acclaimed film "Rosetta" (1999).
Dequenne's career continued to flourish as she received another Cannes award for her performance in "À Perdre la Raison" (2012) and was honored with a César Award for "Les Choses Qu'on Dit, les Choses Qu'on Fait" (2021), solidifying her status in French cinema.
Although predominantly known for her work in French-language films, Dequenne showcased her versatility with a role as police officer Laurence Relaud in the BBC series "The Missing" (2014), alongside James Nesbitt. The film "Rosetta," directed by Luc and Jean-Pierre Dardenne, not only secured the Palme d'Or at Cannes but also set the stage for her illustrious career.
Reflecting on her contributions, Luc Dardenne remarked on how Dequenne's natural talent brought the entire crew together during filming, saying, "She was magnificent, and the film owes a lot to her." Beyond her exceptional performances, audiences will remember her for her deep engagement with her roles and the authenticity she delivered on screen.
Her passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes, including a heartfelt message from French Minister of Culture Rachida Dati, who lamented the loss of a gifted talent while emphasizing the void her departure has created in Francophone cinema.
In October 2023, Dequenne disclosed her battle with adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC), a rare adrenal gland cancer. In a poignant Instagram post dedicated to World Cancer Day, she bravely shared, "What a tough fight! And we don't choose..." Émilie Dequenne will be remembered not only for her remarkable achievements on screen but also for her inspiring resilience in the face of adversity.