Émilie Dequenne: Remembering a Beloved Belgian Actress Who Reigned at Cannes

Émilie Dequenne, renowned for her iconic role in "Rosetta," has tragically died at the age of 43, culminating a promising career in film marred by a recent battle with cancer.

Émilie Dequenne, the celebrated Belgian actress who won the prestigious Best Actress award at the Cannes Film Festival for her debut role in "Rosetta," has passed away at the age of 43. Her death was confirmed on Sunday, following a battle with a rare form of adrenal cancer. She was hospitalized at Gustave Roussy in Villejuif, France, where she succumbed to the illness.

Dequenne first captivated audiences at the young age of 17 for her exceptional performance in the 1999 film “Rosetta,” directed by acclaimed filmmakers Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne. The film, which tells the story of a working-class teenager striving to secure employment, won the Palme d’Or, the highest honor at Cannes.

In her illustrious career, Dequenne appeared in nearly 50 films, including notable titles such as "The Brotherhood of the Wolf," "The Bridge of San Luis Rey," "Our Children," and "This Is Our Land." Her talent and dedication were recognized with numerous accolades, including a César award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in the 2020 film "Love Affair(s)" (“Les Choses Qu’on Dit, les Choses Qu’on Fait”), directed by Emmanuel Mouret.

In late 2023, Dequenne revealed her diagnosis of adrenocortical carcinoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer, during an interview on French television show "Sept à Huit." As she shared her journey, she emphasized the importance of being open about her illness and the loneliness it brought.

Originally from Beloeil, Belgium, Dequenne was born on August 29, 1981, and developed her craft at the Académie de Musique et des Arts de la Parole de Baudour. She began her acting journey with a theater company in Belgium before transitioning to film. Dequenne is survived by her husband Michel Ferracci and her daughter Milla Savarese from her previous relationship with Belgian DJ Alexandre Savarese.

In May, while in remission, she celebrated the 25th anniversary of “Rosetta” at Cannes and promoted her recent film “Survive.” Her final appearance was in "TKT," a poignant tale centered on bullying in a Belgian high school. Dequenne's legacy as a beloved actress and her impact on the film industry will be cherished by audiences and peers alike.