Émilie Dequenne, the renowned actress who won the Cannes Best Actress award, has tragically passed away at the age of 43, marking the loss of a significant talent in the film industry.
Cannes Star Émilie Dequenne Passes Away at 43
Cannes Star Émilie Dequenne Passes Away at 43
Beloved Belgian Actress Succumbs to Cancer, Leaving a Legacy of Powerful Performances
Award-winning Belgian actress Émilie Dequenne has tragically succumbed to cancer at the age of 43. Best known for her remarkable performance in the film Rosetta, which earned her the Best Actress award at the Cannes Film Festival when she was just 18, Dequenne's acting career blossomed further with another Cannes accolade for À Perdre la Raison (Our Children) in 2012. Her talent was further recognized with a César award in 2021 for her role in Les Choses Qu'on Dit, les Choses Qu'on Fait (The Things We Say, the Things We Do).
Although primarily noted for her work in French-language films, she also appeared in the BBC drama The Missing as police officer Laurence Relaud, showcasing her versatility. Rosetta, directed by Luc and Jean-Pierre Dardenne, was her debut film and won the Palme d'or at Cannes in 1999, illustrating the powerful impact of her initial performance on cinema.
Dequenne's poignant portrayal in The Missing featured James Nesbitt and revolved around a family's turmoil following the disappearance of their child. Her filmography also includes notable films such as La fille du RER (2009), Pas Son Genre (2014), and Close (2022), the latter earning a nomination at Cannes.
Tributes have poured in following her passing, including a heartfelt message from France's Minister of Culture, Rachida Dati, who remarked on the untimely loss of a gifted actress whose potential remained unfulfilled. In October 2023, Dequenne disclosed her battle with adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC), a type of cancer affecting the adrenal gland. In a poignant Instagram message for World Cancer Day earlier this year, she reflected on her difficult journey, stating, "What a tough fight! And we don't choose..." Her legacy will continue to resonate through her impactful performances and the indelible mark she left on the film industry.
