Kristen Stewart becomes first American actress to win Cesar Award

Kristen Stewart on Friday became the first American actress to win a Cesar Award when she took a prize for her supporting role in “Clouds of Sils Maria.”

Stewart plays the complex assistant to veteran actress (Juliette Binoche) in director Olivier Assayas’ primarily English-language drama, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival. The Cesar is France’s most prominent film honor.

“There is a great divide between what motivates people to make movies in the States and what motivates people to make movies here, and I prefer it here,” Stewart said after claiming her award, according to the Hollywood Reporter. She also hinted at making another French drama but did not provide details.

In taking the prize Stewart beat out a number of homegrown favorites, including the French actresses Marianne Denicourt and Claude Gensac.

Adrien Brody was the last American to win a competitive Cesar, for 2002’s “The Pianist.” Sean Penn also received an honorary award Friday.

Stewart is of course known for starring in the massively popular teen vampire franchise “Twilight,” although she has focused on edgier, artier fare since then, including “Clouds,” “Camp X-Ray” and “Still Alice.”

Her upcoming films include Tim Blake Nelson’s ensemble drama “Anesthesia,” Drake Doremus’ sci-fi romance “Equals” and Nima Nourizadeh’s action-comedy “American Ultra.”

A complete list of this year’s winners is available on the Cesar website.

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