Émilie Dequenne, Cannes-winning actress, passes away at 43

The talented actress gained international recognition after winning the prestigious Best Actress award at the Cannes Film Festival for her breakthrough role in "Rosetta," and she leaves behind a legacy filled with powerful performances and accolades.

Émilie Dequenne, the celebrated Belgian actress who rose to prominence at just 18, has passed away from cancer at the age of 43. Dequenne first captivated audiences when she earned the Best Actress award at the Cannes Film Festival in 1999 for her role in the poignant film "Rosetta." This film, directed by Luc and Jean-Pierre Dardenne, not only won her acclaim but also secured the top honor of the Palme d’Or at Cannes.

In addition to her Cannes accolades, Dequenne was awarded a second prize at Cannes for "À Perdre la Raison" in 2012 and received a César award, one of France's most prestigious film honors, for "Les Choses Qu'on Dit, les Choses Qu'on Fait" in 2021. Although her primary work focused on French-language films, she also gained recognition for her portrayal of police officer Laurence Relaud in the BBC drama "The Missing" (2014).

Reflecting on her career, Luc Dardenne praised her remarkable talent and stated that her debut performance brought the entire film crew together, and that "the film owes a lot to her." Her journey into acting began after facing unemployment, a period that led her to be cast for "Rosetta."

Dequenne's last public appearance was at the Cannes Film Festival last year, where she continued to show her unwavering passion for cinema. Among those who mourn her loss is French Minister of Culture Rachida Dati who acknowledged that Francophone cinema has lost a brilliant actress far too soon.

In October 2023, Dequenne shared her battle with adrenocortical carcinoma, a rare form of cancer affecting the adrenal glands, which she made public through heartfelt messages on social media. In one of her last Instagram posts for World Cancer Day, she spoke candidly about her difficult fight against the illness, emphasizing the unpredictability of such a battle.