A talented performer who became an international sensation at just 17 years old has left an indelible mark on European cinema.
According to Entertainment Weekly, acclaimed Belgian actress Émilie Dequenne died on Sunday, March 16, in a hospital near Paris after battling adrenocortical carcinoma, a rare cancer of the adrenal gland, as confirmed by her agent Danielle Gain.
The actress first revealed her cancer diagnosis in October 2023, which forced her to step away from acting following her final role in the English-language disaster film "Survive," released in 2024. Throughout her illness, Dequenne maintained transparency about her health journey, frequently sharing updates and hospital visits on social media.
Born in 1981, Dequenne's journey to stardom began with her remarkable debut in "Rosetta," the fourth feature film by Belgian directing duo Luc and Jean-Pierre Dardenne. Her powerful portrayal of a young woman struggling to overcome poverty while caring for her alcoholic mother earned her the prestigious Best Actress award at the 1999 Cannes Film Festival.
The victory was particularly noteworthy as she triumphed over established actresses, including Catherine Deneuve, Penelope Cruz, Sissy Spacek, Gong Li, and Toni Colette. This unexpected win marked the emergence of a significant new talent in European cinema.
Following her breakthrough, Dequenne continued to showcase her versatility through diverse roles in films such as Christophe Gans' period horror "Brotherhood of the Wolf" and Catherine Corsini's "The Very Merry Widows."
Over her 25-year career, Dequenne collaborated with numerous acclaimed directors, including André Téchiné and Joachim Lafosse. Her performance in Lafosse's "Our Children" earned her a second Best Actress award at Cannes in the Un Certain Regard category.
The actress garnered critical acclaim for her role as a mother in Lukas Dhont's "Close," which received an Academy Award nomination for Best International Feature Film in 2023. Dequenne shared her joy about the experience on Instagram, expressing: "We're going home without the statuette but with our hearts full!!!"
In a 2013 interview with The Guardian, Dequenne reflected on the contrast between her cheerful personality and the dark roles she often portrayed, noting:
I have my own neuroses like everyone else... It's true that basically I have a very playful personality.
In her last social media post on February 4, Dequenne commemorated World Cancer Day with characteristic resilience and compassion. She shared an optimistic selfie with an inspiring message to fellow cancer patients.
The actress maintained her fighting spirit until the end, using her platform to raise awareness about cancer and support others facing similar battles. Her positive attitude and dedication to her craft remained unwavering throughout her treatment.
Her passing represents a significant loss to both Belgian and international cinema, where she consistently delivered powerful performances that challenged artistic boundaries and touched audiences worldwide.
Émilie Dequenne, who passed away at 43 near Paris, leaves behind a remarkable legacy in European cinema spanning over two decades. Her journey from a teenage sensation who won the Cannes Best Actress award to becoming one of Belgium's most respected performers showcases her extraordinary talent and dedication to the craft. The actress's final battle with adrenocortical carcinoma, which she faced with remarkable courage and transparency, brought her illustrious career to an untimely end, but her contributions to film will continue to inspire future generations.
