'Rosetta' star Émilie Dequenne, Cannes best actress winner, dies at 43

Belgian actress Émilie Dequenne, who became famous for her amazing role in the movie Rosetta, has sadly passed away at the age of 43.

She had been battling a rare and aggressive type of cancer called adrenocortical carcinoma, which affects the adrenal glands. Her family and agent shared that she died on Sunday in a hospital near Paris.

Even though she was sick, Émilie kept working in the film industry. Her last public appearance was at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, where she celebrated the 25th anniversary of her big win at Cannes.

About Émilie Dequenne's role

Émilie’s big break came when she was just 18 years old. She was cast in the movie Rosetta, directed by the Dardenne brothers. This role completely changed her life and kicked off her successful acting career.

In Rosetta (1999), Émilie plays a poor teenager trying to survive with her alcoholic mother. Her character struggles to find a stable job and escape her tough life. Her performance was so powerful and emotional that she won the Best Actress award at Cannes.

The movie itself won the Palme d’Or, the festival’s top prize. This made her one of the most talked-about young actresses at the time.

Later in her career, Émilie had a supporting role in Close, a moving film about friendship and loss. Even though she wasn’t the main character, her performance left a strong impression. The movie was even nominated for an Oscar for Best International Feature Film.

Her final film before her health got worse was Survive, a disaster thriller released in 2024. She went to Cannes one last time to promote the movie and celebrate her incredible career.

In October 2023, Émilie shared that she had been diagnosed with adrenocortical carcinoma, a rare and aggressive cancer. Despite starting treatment, the cancer spread quickly. She stayed strong and hopeful, but by mid-2024, she had to stop acting because of her health.

Émilie Dequenne may have left us too soon, but her work in films like Rosetta, Close, and Survive will keep her memory alive. She’ll always be remembered as a talented and inspiring actress.