The 14th Magritte Awards ceremony unfolded on February 22, 2025, at Flagey, Belgium, celebrating the rich legacy of Belgian cinema with emotional tributes and heartfelt messages.
Presided over by Déborah François, the event was broadcast live on Auvio, showcasing not just award winners but also the vibrant spirit of unity among actors, filmmakers, and fans of the industry.
During her opening speech, François addressed the audience with warmth and honesty, expressing her deep admiration for her fellow artist and nominee under difficult circumstances. "For terminar, I wanted to tell you there is someone I think about immensely tonight. I want to send all our love to her. And I say our love because many people in the room and behind your screens will want to join me for this. I think very strongly about her, she is my big sister of cinema: Emilie Dequenne," she stated, highlighting Dequenne's absence due to her fight against adrenocortical carcinoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer.
François's heartfelt words were met with applause from the assembly, demonstrating the collective support for Dequenne. The atmosphere throughout the event reflected solidarity and empathy, core values of the cinematic community. Charline Vanhoenacker, the emcee for the evening, echoed these sentiments by creating a heart shape with her hands, directing it toward the cameras as François continued with her tribute.
"Émilie, we send you all our love. And through you, to all the warriors who fight every day," François added, cementing the emotional gravity of the moment. Her tribute was not just for Dequenne but also for others battling cancer, reinforcing the community's commitment to support those facing similar challenges.
Later on, Solange Cicurel, the director of "TKT," where Dequenne had been nominated for Best Actress, also shared her affection for the actress. These acknowledgments served as reminders of the human connections behind the stories told on screen.
Dequenne has actively communicated with her fans via social media, offering updates on her health and the progress of her treatments. Acknowledging the severity of her condition, the rare cancer affects about one or two people per million globally each year, which makes her battle even more poignant. By sharing her experiences publicly, she has become not just an actress but also an advocate for those facing similar battles.
The night also saw various films being honored, with "La nuit se traîne" standing out as it received ten awards, including Best Film and Best Direction for Michiel Blanchart. Lubna Azabal and Arieh Worthalter continued their reign by winning Best Actress and Best Actor awards for the second consecutive year, showing the continued evolution of talent within the Belgian film industry.
The Magritte Awards showcased more than just the winners and nominations; it underlined the resilience and community spirit within the film industry, especially as it paused to send love and strength to one of its own, Emilie Dequenne, who, though absent, remained very much present in the hearts of everyone attending.
The touching tribute serves as both recognition of Dequenne's accomplishments and as inspiration to others who are battling their own life-threatening conditions. With her presence felt throughout the evening, the event wrapped up as not just another awards ceremony but as a heartfelt gathering of solidarity and hope.