Kristen Stewart has received her first directing award for her film The Chronology of Water, which won the Revelation Award at the Deauville American Film Festival on September 13, 2025, in Deauville, France. This marks a significant milestone for the 35-year-old actress, who has transitioned into filmmaking with this personal project.
During her acceptance speech, Stewart revealed that the film took eight years to complete, adapting it from the memoir of Lidia Yuknavitch. “It was enough for me to even be allowed to make this movie,” she stated, as reported by Variety. “I understand it’s a common story for first filmmakers to have it feel impossible, but the uphill battle on this one felt so personal and not for me, but for me, girl.”
Stewart emphasized the emotional depth of the narrative, which centers on a woman, portrayed by Imogen Poots, who emerges from an abusive childhood. The character channels her trauma into competitive swimming, explores her sexuality, navigates toxic relationships, and deals with addiction, ultimately finding her voice as a writer.
In her remarks, Stewart reflected on the challenges of bringing such a raw and personal story to the screen. “I was trying to make a movie about bleeding, and the digging and the climb that it takes to unearth a voice in a world masterfully designed to silence us — it took eight f–king years,” she added.
Earlier this year, The Chronology of Water debuted at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival, where it garnered critical attention. Stewart’s presence at the Deauville festival also included support for her longtime friend Zoey Deutch, who received the Hollywood Rising Star Award.
As Stewart continues her journey as a filmmaker, her win at the Deauville American Film Festival highlights her dedication and resilience in telling profound stories through cinema. The recognition not only celebrates her directorial efforts but also shines a light on the importance of personal narratives in the film industry.
