Émilie Dequenne, the award-winning Belgian actress famed for her powerful performances, has sadly passed away at 43 after a brave fight against cancer. She first captured the world's attention when she won the Best Actress award at the Cannes Film Festival for her role in the 1999 film Rosetta at just 18 years old. This poignant film by Luc and Jean-Pierre Dardenne was a story of resilience and struggle, and Dequenne’s talent brought it to life.
Her illustrious career continued to shine as she won another Cannes award in 2012 for À Perdre la Raison. In 2021, she was awarded a César for her emotional performance in Les Choses Qu'on Dit, les Choses Qu'on Fait, marking her as one of France's most respected actresses. While she predominantly starred in French films, her notable role as police officer Laurence Relaud in the BBC drama The Missing showcased her talent to wider audiences.
Dequenne’s career was marked by critical acclaim, but she continued to face personal challenges, as she revealed in October 2023 that she was battling adrenocortical carcinoma. In one of her final social media messages for World Cancer Day, she expressed the difficulty of her fight, reflecting her strength and determination.
As tributes pour in from fans and fellow filmmakers alike, including French Minister of Culture Rachida Dati, it's clear that the Francophone cinema community has lost a truly gifted actress with so much more to give. Dequenne’s legacy will undoubtedly live on through her remarkable filmography and the impact she had on the industry.
