Émilie Dequenne, the celebrated Belgian actress renowned for her award-winning role in the film "Rosetta," passed away at the age of 43. Dequenne succumbed to adrenocortical carcinoma, a rare form of cancer affecting the adrenal gland, on Sunday in a hospital just outside Paris. Her family and agent have confirmed her death, marking a solemn end to the life of a cherished performer.
Dequenne's career took flight with her debut in "Rosetta," a film directed by the Dardenne brothers that not only catapulted her to stardom but also secured her the Best Actress award at the Cannes Film Festival. The film itself won the prestigious Palme d’Or, cementing its place in cinematic history. Throughout her career, Dequenne amassed a collection of accolades for her performances in various French-language films.
Among her notable works was the 2009 film "The Girl on the Train" and the 2012 drama "Our Children." These roles showcased her versatility and depth as an actress, further establishing her reputation in the film industry. Her contributions to cinema were recognized not just in awards but in the hearts of audiences worldwide.
In October 2023, Dequenne revealed her diagnosis with adrenocortical carcinoma. Despite her illness, she made a remarkable return to the Cannes Film Festival in 2024. This visit marked the 25th anniversary of her Cannes triumph with "Rosetta." During this time, she also promoted an English-language disaster movie titled "Survive," displaying resilience and passion for her craft until the very end.