Emilie Dequenne, a film star dies at 43
The film world is in mourning following the death of renowned Belgian actress Emilie Dequenne on March 16, 2025 at the age of 43. She succumbed to a rare form of adrenal cancer, which she had been battling for several months.
A meteoric rise with “Rosetta
Emilie Dequenne made a name for herself in 1999 at just 17 years of age with her role in the Dardenne brothers’ “Rosetta”. The film, which depicts a young girl’s relentless struggle to survive in an indifferent society, won her the Prix d’interprétation féminine at the Cannes Film Festival that same year. This intense, authentic performance propelled her career onto the international stage.
A rich and varied career
Beyond “Rosetta”, Emilie Dequenne has demonstrated her versatility in a variety of roles and genres. She has appeared in such productions as “Le Pacte des loups” (2001), a film mixing history and fantasy, and André Téchiné’s “La Fille du RER” (2009), where she plays a young woman involved in a complex media affair. Her role in Joachim Lafosse’s “À perdre la raison” (2012), in which she plays a mother sinking into depression, won her the Prix d’interprétation in the Un Certain Regard section at Cannes. In 2021, she won the César for Best Supporting Actress for Emmanuel Mouret’s “Les Choses qu’on dit, les choses qu’on fait”.
A courageous battle against disease
In October 2023, Emilie Dequenne was diagnosed with adrenocortical cancer, a rare and aggressive cancer of the adrenal gland. Despite an announced remission in April 2024, the disease recurred in December of the same year. During this difficult period, she shared her battle with transparency and courage, notably through social networks, inspiring many admirers with her resilience.
Emilie Dequenne’s cinematic legacy
Emilie Dequenne’s death leaves a huge void in the French-speaking film landscape. Her talent, passion and commitment marked every role she played, making her a key figure in Belgian and French cinema. Her exemplary career continues to inspire future generations of actors and actresses.
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