Kristen Stewart has earned her first accolade as a director with her film The Chronology of Water, which received the Revelation Award on September 13 at the 2025 Deauville American Film Festival in Deauville, France. The recognition highlights Stewart’s successful transition from actress to filmmaker, marking a significant milestone in her career.
The Journey Behind The Chronology of Water
The 35-year-old Stewart revealed that the making of this project took eight years, underscoring the challenges she overcame to bring the story to the screen. The movie, adapted from Lidia Yuknavitch’s memoir, explores deeply personal themes which resonated strongly with Stewart throughout the filmmaking process.
It was enough for me to even be allowed to make this movie,
Kristen said, via 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, Kristen, but for me, girl.
—Kristen Stewart
And I know that it was the subject matter and the form, but it’s because 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 8 f–king years,
she added. —Kristen Stewart
The Story and Festival Appearances
The Chronology of Water centers on a woman, played by Imogen Poots, who navigates an abusive upbringing by turning to competitive swimming, exploring her sexuality, and confronting toxic relationships and addiction, ultimately finding her voice as a writer. The film premiered earlier this year at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival, further establishing its critical presence before the recent award.
Stewart’s Role in the Deauville Festival
At Deauville, Kristen Stewart not only accepted her Revelation Award but also showed support for her longtime friend Zoey Deutch, who received the Hollywood Rising Star Award. This event has marked an important moment of recognition and camaraderie among emerging talents in the film industry.
Implications for Stewart’s Future in Filmmaking
Winning the Revelation Award after an eight-year dedication to The Chronology of Water reflects Stewart’s determination and creative vision, potentially paving the way for more directing opportunities. This accomplishment might inspire other actors pursuing filmmaking and highlights the importance of perseverance in the arts.
