Tributes pour in for the talented actress who rose to fame with her remarkable performances, including two Cannes Film Festival awards and a César, leaving a significant impact on Francophone cinema.
Émilie Dequenne: A Bright Star of Cinema Has Passed Away

Émilie Dequenne: A Bright Star of Cinema Has Passed Away
Award-winning Belgian actress Émilie Dequenne, known for her poignant roles and notable accolades, has died after a battle with cancer at just 43 years old.
Émilie Dequenne, the acclaimed Belgian actress famed for her powerful performances, has passed away at the age of 43 following her battle with adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC). Rising to prominence through the film Rosetta, which earned her the Best Actress award at the Cannes Film Festival in 1999 when she was only 18, Dequenne showcased immense talent that resonated with audiences both in Belgium and internationally.
Her trajectory in the film industry continued with another Cannes accolade for À Perdre la Raison in 2012, and a César award for her role in Les Choses Qu'on Dit, les Choses Qu'on Fait in 2021, affirming her status as a respected figure in cinema. Guided by directors who appreciated her gifts, Luc and Jean-Pierre Dardenne, Dequenne was acknowledged for her ability to unite the film crew through her commitment and excellence as an artist.
Aside from her cinematic achievements, Dequenne's portrayal of Laurence Relaud in the BBC's 2014 series The Missing garnered her recognition in the television arena, showcasing her versatility as an actress. Those who knew her, including French Minister of Culture Rachida Dati, expressed their heartfelt condolences, emphasizing the untimely loss of an actress with a promising future ahead.
In a poignant last post on World Cancer Day, Dequenne reflected the ongoing struggle against the disease, stating, "What a tough fight! And we don’t choose…" as a testament to her resilience and courage in the face of adversity. The legacy she leaves in the world of film and the hearts of her fans will be cherished and remembered for years to come.
Her trajectory in the film industry continued with another Cannes accolade for À Perdre la Raison in 2012, and a César award for her role in Les Choses Qu'on Dit, les Choses Qu'on Fait in 2021, affirming her status as a respected figure in cinema. Guided by directors who appreciated her gifts, Luc and Jean-Pierre Dardenne, Dequenne was acknowledged for her ability to unite the film crew through her commitment and excellence as an artist.
Aside from her cinematic achievements, Dequenne's portrayal of Laurence Relaud in the BBC's 2014 series The Missing garnered her recognition in the television arena, showcasing her versatility as an actress. Those who knew her, including French Minister of Culture Rachida Dati, expressed their heartfelt condolences, emphasizing the untimely loss of an actress with a promising future ahead.
In a poignant last post on World Cancer Day, Dequenne reflected the ongoing struggle against the disease, stating, "What a tough fight! And we don’t choose…" as a testament to her resilience and courage in the face of adversity. The legacy she leaves in the world of film and the hearts of her fans will be cherished and remembered for years to come.