Remembering Émilie Dequenne: The Belgian star who shined bright

Belgian actress Émilie Dequenne, known for her mesmerizing performances and award-winning roles, passed away on Sunday at the age of 43. The news was confirmed by her family through French news agency AFP. Dequenne had been battling adrenocortical carcinoma, a rare cancer affecting the adrenal glands, since 2023. She died in a hospital just outside Paris, leaving behind a legacy of powerful and critically acclaimed performances.

Born on August 29, 1981, in Belœil, Belgium, Dequenne catapulted to fame at just 18 years old with her breakout role in Rosetta (1999), directed by the Dardenne Brothers. Her deeply compelling performance as a young woman struggling to escape poverty earned her the prestigious Best Actress award at the Cannes Film Festival. The film itself was awarded the coveted Palme d’Or, solidifying its place in cinematic history.

Following her Cannes success, Dequenne continued to build a diverse and impressive career. She starred in Christophe Gans' Brotherhood of the Wolf (2001), which became a commercial hit, and went on to appear in both mainstream and independent films. Her versatility shone in projects such as Philippe Lioret’s The Light (2004) and The Girl on the Train (2009), where she starred alongside French cinema legend Catherine Deneuve. In 2010, she took on the horror genre with The Pack by Franck Richard.

One of her most lauded performances came in 2012 with Joachim Lafosse’s psychological drama Our Children. Her harrowing portrayal of a woman who tragically takes the lives of her five children earned her another Best Actress award at Cannes, this time in the Un Certain Regard section. Critics widely praised her ability to bring raw emotion and depth to complex roles.

Throughout her career, Dequenne continued to showcase her talent across genres. She charmed audiences in the romantic comedy Not My Type (2014), tackled political themes in This Is Our Land (2017), and captivated with nuanced performances in Love Affair(s) (2020) and Close (2022). Her final project, the English-language disaster film Survive, marked her continuous exploration of diverse roles.

In May 2024, Dequenne made a heartfelt return to the Cannes Film Festival to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Rosetta. Her presence at the event was a poignant reminder of her impact on the film industry.

Luc Dardenne, who directed her in Rosetta, paid tribute to Dequenne in an interview with France Info radio. "She was really too young, with so much more to give. Acting was her life. She had an intuitive gift, but she also worked tirelessly. She loved the craft, always pushing herself to discover something new."

Dequenne is survived by her husband, author Michel Ferracci, and her daughter, Milla Savarese, from her previous relationship with Alexandre Savarese. Her passing is a great loss to the world of cinema, but her remarkable performances and indelible mark on the industry will continue to inspire generations to come.