Belgian cinema mourns the loss of the talented Émilie Dequenne, who has passed away at the age of 43 after battling cancer. A true luminary of the silver screen, Dequenne first captured international attention when she clinched the prestigious Best Actress award at the Cannes Film Festival in 1999 at the tender age of 18 for her outstanding performance in the poignant film “Rosetta.”
Throughout her illustrious career, Dequenne continued to dazzle audiences with her remarkable talent, earning further accolades at Cannes for her role in “À Perdre la Raison (Our Children)” in 2012. Her excellence in the craft was also recognized with a Cesar award, one of France’s most esteemed film honors, for her role in “Les Choses Qu’on Dit, les Choses Qu’on Fait (The Things We Say, the Things We Do)” in 2021.
While predominantly known for her work in French-language films, Dequenne showcased her versatility by portraying the character of police officer Laurence Relaud in the acclaimed 2014 BBC TV drama “The Missing.” Her captivating portrayal in “Rosetta” marked the beginning of a remarkable journey in the world of cinema. The film, which delves into the harrowing struggle of a teenager striving to break free from a life of destitution, not only brought Dequenne critical acclaim but also served as a testament to her exceptional acting prowess.
Dequenne’s remarkable rise to stardom was nothing short of serendipitous, as she found herself catapulted into the limelight after being plucked from unemployment following the closure of a food factory. Her raw talent and dedication to her craft shone through, leaving a lasting impact on all those she collaborated with. Luc Dardenne, one half of the directing duo behind “Rosetta,” fondly reminisced about Dequenne’s transformative presence on set, emphasizing her pivotal role in elevating the film to greatness.
In “The Missing,” Dequenne’s portrayal of Laurence Relaud added yet another feather to her cap, showcasing her versatility in embodying diverse characters with depth and nuance. Her filmography boasts a rich tapestry of cinematic gems, including her roles in “La fille du RER (The Girl on the Train)” (2009), “Pas Son Genre (Not My Type)” (2014), and the 2022 Cannes nominee “Close.”
The news of Dequenne’s passing has reverberated throughout the film industry, eliciting an outpouring of tributes from colleagues and admirers alike. French Minister of Culture Rachida Dati lamented the premature loss of a luminary, highlighting Dequenne’s enduring legacy in Francophone cinema.
Dequenne’s battle with adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC), a rare form of cancer affecting the adrenal gland, was a testament to her unwavering courage in the face of adversity.
