Emilie Dequenne who is best known for her performance in Rosetta, has passed away at the age of 43 after battling a rare cancer. She was famous for her intense performances in French-Language films. She died on Sunday in a hospital in Paris, her family confirmed to AFP.
A Promising Career Launch
Emilie’s fame took off with her very first movie, Rosetta which was released in the year 1999. The film was directed by the acclaimed Dardenne brothers. Emilie’s portrayal of a yound struggling woman in the film won her the best actress award at the Cannes Film Festival. The film too won the honour of the highly sought-after Palme d’Or, making her one of the most promising talents in Belgium.
Acclaimed Performances
Beyond Rosetta, Dequenne continued to give outstanding performances in a range of genres. She also received recognition for her performance in The Girl on the Train (2009) and then her work in Our Children (2012), a tragic drama by Joachim Lafosse, won her the Best Actress award in the Un Certain Regard category at Cannes.

A Lasting Legacy In Cinema
The death of Emilie Dequenne is a devastating loss to the film industry. She has left an indelible mark in the form of memories that will never fade, with raw emotion and sheer talent defining her performances. Her contributions to the film industry will continue to inspire both audiences and aspiring actors for generations to come.
Fan Reactions
After the news of Emilie Dequenne’s death broke out, fans and fellow actors posted to express the grief and admiration towards her. Fans reminisced about her iconic performances, particularly in Rosetta, which left an indelible mark on films.
L'immense actrice Émilie Dequenne, meilleur espoir féminin aux César en 2000 et Prix d'interprétation féminine à Cannes en 2012, est décédée d'un cancer à l'âge de 42 ans. pic.twitter.com/WwW9aDpble
— Mathieu Géniole (@mathieuge) March 16, 2025











