Émilie Dequenne, renowned for her captivating performances in both French cinema and international productions, has died at the young age of 43 after battling cancer.
Émilie Dequenne: Celebrated Belgian Actress Passes Away at 43

Émilie Dequenne: Celebrated Belgian Actress Passes Away at 43
Tragedy strikes the film industry as acclaimed actress Émilie Dequenne succumbs to cancer.
The actress, who rose to fame with her award-winning role in "Rosetta," made significant contributions to the film industry and will be remembered by fans and colleagues alike.
Émilie Dequenne, a celebrated Belgian actress, has passed away due to cancer at the age of 43. She first captured the hearts of audiences when she won the Best Actress award at the Cannes Film Festival at just 18 for her role in the film "Rosetta" (1999). This poignant portrayal of a teenager grappling with poverty launched her impressive career.
Following her breakthrough, Dequenne continued to excel, earning another Cannes accolade for "À Perdre la Raison" (Our Children) in 2012 and receiving a César award for "Les Choses Qu'on Dit, les Choses Qu'on Fait" (The Things We Say, the Things We Do) in 2021. Although she predominantly starred in French-language films, her role as the police officer Laurence Relaud in the BBC drama "The Missing" showcased her versatility.
"Rosetta," directed by Luc and Jean-Pierre Dardenne, was both a commercial and critical success, winning the prestigious Palme d'or at Cannes in 1999. Luc Dardenne praised Dequenne's raw talent and incredible ability to connect with the crew from her very first day on set, stating, "She was magnificent and the film owes a lot to her."
In recent years, she had returned to the Cannes red carpet, signifying her ongoing prominence in the film industry. Her recent works included the 2022 Cannes nominee "Close," reflecting her sustained relevance and skill.
The news of Dequenne's death prompted heartfelt tributes, including from French Minister of Culture Rachida Dati, who expressed sorrow over the loss of a gifted talent capable of contributing much more to the arts.
In October 2023, the actress bravely disclosed her diagnosis of adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC), a form of cancer affecting the adrenal glands. In one of her final posts on Instagram, she reflected on the challenges of her battle, saying, "What a tough fight! And we don't choose..."
As tributes pour in from fans and the film community, Dequenne’s legacy as a remarkable actress will endure, leaving a lasting impact on both Belgian cinema and international audiences.
Émilie Dequenne, a celebrated Belgian actress, has passed away due to cancer at the age of 43. She first captured the hearts of audiences when she won the Best Actress award at the Cannes Film Festival at just 18 for her role in the film "Rosetta" (1999). This poignant portrayal of a teenager grappling with poverty launched her impressive career.
Following her breakthrough, Dequenne continued to excel, earning another Cannes accolade for "À Perdre la Raison" (Our Children) in 2012 and receiving a César award for "Les Choses Qu'on Dit, les Choses Qu'on Fait" (The Things We Say, the Things We Do) in 2021. Although she predominantly starred in French-language films, her role as the police officer Laurence Relaud in the BBC drama "The Missing" showcased her versatility.
"Rosetta," directed by Luc and Jean-Pierre Dardenne, was both a commercial and critical success, winning the prestigious Palme d'or at Cannes in 1999. Luc Dardenne praised Dequenne's raw talent and incredible ability to connect with the crew from her very first day on set, stating, "She was magnificent and the film owes a lot to her."
In recent years, she had returned to the Cannes red carpet, signifying her ongoing prominence in the film industry. Her recent works included the 2022 Cannes nominee "Close," reflecting her sustained relevance and skill.
The news of Dequenne's death prompted heartfelt tributes, including from French Minister of Culture Rachida Dati, who expressed sorrow over the loss of a gifted talent capable of contributing much more to the arts.
In October 2023, the actress bravely disclosed her diagnosis of adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC), a form of cancer affecting the adrenal glands. In one of her final posts on Instagram, she reflected on the challenges of her battle, saying, "What a tough fight! And we don't choose..."
As tributes pour in from fans and the film community, Dequenne’s legacy as a remarkable actress will endure, leaving a lasting impact on both Belgian cinema and international audiences.