Her contribution to cinema was profound, with recognition for her talent and impact spanning over two decades.
Émilie Dequenne: Celebrated Belgian Actress Passes Away at 43

Émilie Dequenne: Celebrated Belgian Actress Passes Away at 43
Renowned for her award-winning role in "Rosetta", Dequenne lost her battle with adrenal cancer.
Émilie Dequenne, the acclaimed Belgian actress who garnered international fame for her powerful performance in the 1999 film "Rosetta," has passed away at the age of 43. Dequenne died on Sunday at the Gustave Roussy hospital in Villejuif, France. The news was confirmed by Marie-Laure Calmette, an assistant to her agent, Danielle Gain. Dequenne had been bravely battling adrenocortical carcinoma, a rare and aggressive form of adrenal cancer.
Dequenne’s career took off when she starred in "Rosetta," directed by the Dardenne brothers. The film earned the prestigious Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival, a remarkable achievement for a debut role. Notably, she won the Best Actress award at Cannes at the tender age of 17, marking a significant milestone in her career.
Throughout her artistic journey, Dequenne appeared in nearly 50 films, showcasing her versatility in projects such as "The Brotherhood of the Wolf," "The Bridge of San Luis Rey," and "Our Children." In addition to her Cannes accolade, she won a César award for Best Supporting Actress in the 2020 film "Love Affair(s)," directed by Emmanuel Mouret.
In October 2023, Dequenne revealed her cancer diagnosis in an interview on the popular French show "Sept à Huit," where she shared her experiences from diagnosis to treatment. The actress expressed the importance of openness about her condition and the deep sense of isolation that often accompanied her illness.
Born on August 29, 1981, in Beloeil, Belgium, Dequenne trained in drama at the Académie de Musique et des Arts de la Parole in Baudour. She began her acting career with a theater company before transitioning to film, where she left a lasting impact. She is survived by her husband, Michel Ferracci, and her daughter, Milla.
Last May, while in remission, Dequenne celebrated "Rosetta's" 25th anniversary at Cannes and promoted her film "Survive,” released the previous year. Her most recent work included a performance in "TKT," a film addressing the issue of bullying in Belgian schools. Dequenne's legacy in cinema remains indelible, her talent and contributions to the arts cherished by fans and colleagues alike.
Dequenne’s career took off when she starred in "Rosetta," directed by the Dardenne brothers. The film earned the prestigious Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival, a remarkable achievement for a debut role. Notably, she won the Best Actress award at Cannes at the tender age of 17, marking a significant milestone in her career.
Throughout her artistic journey, Dequenne appeared in nearly 50 films, showcasing her versatility in projects such as "The Brotherhood of the Wolf," "The Bridge of San Luis Rey," and "Our Children." In addition to her Cannes accolade, she won a César award for Best Supporting Actress in the 2020 film "Love Affair(s)," directed by Emmanuel Mouret.
In October 2023, Dequenne revealed her cancer diagnosis in an interview on the popular French show "Sept à Huit," where she shared her experiences from diagnosis to treatment. The actress expressed the importance of openness about her condition and the deep sense of isolation that often accompanied her illness.
Born on August 29, 1981, in Beloeil, Belgium, Dequenne trained in drama at the Académie de Musique et des Arts de la Parole in Baudour. She began her acting career with a theater company before transitioning to film, where she left a lasting impact. She is survived by her husband, Michel Ferracci, and her daughter, Milla.
Last May, while in remission, Dequenne celebrated "Rosetta's" 25th anniversary at Cannes and promoted her film "Survive,” released the previous year. Her most recent work included a performance in "TKT," a film addressing the issue of bullying in Belgian schools. Dequenne's legacy in cinema remains indelible, her talent and contributions to the arts cherished by fans and colleagues alike.