Émilie Dequenne: Moving Tributes to the Great Actress Who Passed Away at 43

Émilie Dequenne, who passed away at the age of 43 from a rare cancer, leaves a massive void in the world of cinema. The Belgian actress, who was discovered in 1999 for her role as Rosetta in a film by the Dardenne brothers, which earned her the Best Actress award at Cannes, passed away on Sunday, March 16, 2025, after a fierce battle with the disease. Numerous tributes have poured in from all corners, highlighting not only her undeniable talent but also her generosity and kindness.

A Career Marked by Memorable Roles and International Recognition
Among the figures in cinema who have paid tribute to her memory, Gilles Jacob, former president of the Cannes Film Festival, spoke of the “wild vitality” she brought to her iconic film, while Luc Dardenne, deeply moved, emphasized the tragic premature nature of her departure. Actors such as Leïla Bekhti, Alex Lutz, and Tahar Rahim expressed their grief and admiration, calling her a “great lady” and “queen.” For her part, French Minister of Culture Rachida Dati mourned the loss of a talented actress whose career still had so much to offer.

Unanimous Tributes from the World of Cinema and Culture
Despite her illness, Émilie Dequenne continued to shine on the big screen. Her career, which spanned nearly 50 films, included memorable works such as La fille du RER (2009), À perdre la raison (2012), and Les choses qu’on dit, les choses qu’on fait (2020), for which she won a César for Best Supporting Actress in 2021. Her last public appearance was in May 2024 at the Cannes Film Festival, where she appeared smiling alongside her husband, actor Michel Ferracci, despite the side effects of her treatment.

Beyond her career, Émilie Dequenne will be remembered for her strength of character, courage, and generosity. “Francophone cinema loses, too soon, a talented actress who still had so much to offer,” said Rachida Dati, deeply moved by this loss. The actress leaves behind her daughter, Milla, born in 2002, and a cinematic legacy whose imprint will remain forever in the hearts of those who knew and admired her.