Kristen Stewart has always been associated with her stint in the Twilight saga, despite the many works she's done since then. Winning the coveted Cesar Award, making her the first American actress to do so, should prove a big boost to her reputation.
The highest film honor in France, the Cesar Award was given to Stewart for her supporting role in the movie "Clouds of Sils Maria" where she starred alongside Juliette Binoche. Stewart played the part of assistant to Binoche's character, a veteran actress coming to grips with her mortality as she is asked to take part in reviving a play that catapulted her career decades ago. Stewart's performance bested renowned actresses in France like Claude Gensac and Marianne Denicourt.
"This is where I feel and I can do my best and be happiest, so it's huge," Stewart said of the award, crediting her winning performance to her co-star Binoche.
"There is a great divide between what motivates people to make films in the States and to compare it to what motivates people to make films here, and I kinda prefer it here," she also added.
Her preference might mean she's due to work again with Olivier Assays, the director for Sils Maria. Stewart's upcoming films include "Anesthesia" from Tim Blake Nelson, "Equals" from Drake Doremus and "American Ultra" from Nima Nourizadeh.
Stewart has been acting since 2002. "Panic Room" was her first movie, in which she received recognition for her performance as Jodie Foster's daughter. Since then, she's explored various genres, including portraying Joan Jett in "The Runaways."
The first American actor to win a Cesar Award was Adrien Brody for "The Pianist" in 2002.
Other Cesar Awards winners include: Adèle Haenel (Best Actress - Les Combattants), Pierre Niney (Best Actor - Yves Saint Laurent), Reda Kateb (Best Actor in a Supporting Role - Hippocrate), Louane Emera (Best Female Newcomer - La Famille Belier), Kévin Azaïs (Best Male Newcomer - Les Combattants) and Abderrahmane Sissako (Best Director - Timbuktu). Sean Penn also received an honorary Cesar.
Penn understands Stewart's sentiments very much, calling French film as a "refuge" from Hollywood movies, giving him a breath of fresh air when the business starts getting to him.
"To be honored by those who honor me with inspiration and encouragement is notable," he said.
