Embark on a journey through Hollywood with "SmartLess" as hosts Will Arnett, Sean Hayes, and Jason Bateman chat with actress Kristen Stewart about her rise from the early days of auditions to her acclaimed career milestones. From the commitment of a 12-year-old poised for success to the whirlwind of fame brought on by the Twilight saga, Stewart candidly shares the challenges and triumphs she faced along the path to stardom. As a confirmed A-lister with an Academy Award nomination and her César win under her belt, she continues to capture the hearts of moviegoers with her latest performances in both high-profile and indie films.
The episode doesn't just shine a light on Kristen's on-screen achievements but also explores her personal evolution, uncovering her newfound passions in the culinary world and on the golf course. Stewart's entrance into directing with "Chronology of Water" suggests a new creative chapter, demonstrating her constant quest for growth—whether it's learning the perfect golf swing or mastering a delectable pomodoro sauce. Her preparations to take the helm of her own film project reveal an artist eager to transcend her role in front of the camera and bring her unique vision to life behind it. Join "SmartLess" for an intimate peek into the life of a versatile and ever-evolving actress.
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Kristen Stewart began her acting career with early auditions accompanied by her mother, who believed in her talent and supported her decision to pursue acting. Her childhood commitment to acting was solidified when she promised to repay her mother for her headshots, should she become successful. At just age 12, Stewart's role in "Panic Room" marked a significant shift as she transitioned from a young observer to an active participant in the filmmaking process. However, it was her role in the Twilight saga at age 17 that skyrocketed her to global fame.
Despite the challenges of balancing other projects with the demands of a major franchise, Stewart found solace in her castmates during the surreal experience of Twilight fame. Post-Twilight, she transitioned to critically acclaimed indie films, showcasing her versatility as an actress. Her role in "Spencer" solidified her status as one of the great actors, a perception bolstered by her Academy Award nomination and César win. Stewart's most recent work, "Love Lies Bleeding," an A24 film, continues to excite audiences, demonstrating Stewart's ability to succeed in both blockbuster and independent film realms.
Outside of her impressive film and television career, Kristen Stewart has cultivated new passions, including golf and cooking. Her fascination with golf has grown, especially since the pandemic, and she has even accomplished the enviable feat of making a hole-in-one. She enjoys both the challenge of the sport and the social connections it fosters.
Stewart's cooking prowess came into the spotlight during Thanksgiving, where she experimented with emulsification for a perfect pomodoro sauce and tackled the turkey with a culinary finesse involving a dry brine and cooking it in pieces. Her playful approach to cooking is paired with her desire to share her culinary creations at intimate gatherings, encompassing her love for the sensory experiences of food.
Driven to explore her creativity further, Stewart is poised to direct her first feature film, "Chronology of Water." Her excitement about stepping into the director's role reveals her readiness to shepherd the creative process and witness her ideas coming to life through the interpretation of others. This step marks an adventurous new phase in her creative career.
1-Page Summary
Kristen Stewart delves into her acting career, which spans acclaimed indie films and major franchises like the Twilight saga. Her journey is a testament to her versatility and dedication to her craft.
Stewart recounts her early days before acting, when her mother would take her around town, presumably for auditions, and they invested in headshots. In a defining moment, her mother expressed belief in her abilities and supported her decision to pursue acting, despite the risks involved. Kristen made a promise to repay her mother for the headshots if she found success in the industry.
Stewart's breakout role came in the film "Panic Room" at age 12. She reveals that the house in the film was a fully working brownstone built on a soundstage in Manhattan Beach where every outlet functioned. Several panic rooms were utilized for filming, including some that were detached and one that was integrated into the actual set. This role marked a significant change for Stewart, transitioning from merely being around sets with her mom to actively engaging in the filmmaking process.
At 17, Stewart's involvement in the Twilight saga catapulted her to extraordinary fame. The franchise turned into a global phenomenon, and her life changed as she experienced fame on a rare scale, particularly at such a formative age. This period brought her both the oddity and the challenge of experiencing personal events within the public eye.
The cast, who all rose to fame rapidly, found comfort and support in each other. Stewart even shares an anecdote about being photographed by paparazzi before the Twilight series release, emphasizing the abrupt and intrusive nature of the fame the saga brought. The series spanned over four years and included five movies, during which Stewart often lacked balance due to her relentless commitment to the franchise and her efforts to work on other projects for diversity.
Will Arnett and Jason Bateman commend Stewart's shift ...
Kristen Stewart's Career Journey in Film and Television
Kristen Stewart, well-known for her acting prowess, is branching out and nurturing a few passionate interests beyond the silver screen.
Stewart shares that her interest in golf has evolved significantly since the pandemic, and her enthusiasm for the sport is evident when she recalls making a hole-in-one, which many seasoned players covet. She fondly recounts swings taught by her father in her youth but recognizes her engagement with the sport truly blossomed during the pandemic.
Despite not having shot a par for any course, Stewart shares anecdotes of performing admirably on individual holes, followed by a familiar golfer’s tale of subsequent poor play. Her commitment to the sport is immortalized with a tattoo from the local public golf course, a permanent memento from a memorable game with friends.
Stewart enjoys the camaraderie of the game, whether playing on public courses or occasionally attending posh country clubs, where she recognizes a starkly different atmosphere.
Jason Bateman, Will Arnett, and others voice their approval of Stewart’s hobby, and they seem quite taken with the idea of golfing alongside her. Stewart's frequent presence at the golf course and conversations with people from the golfing community prove her genuine dedication to the sport. This laid-back environment suits her preference for relaxed social situations, as described by Bateman, who humorously suggests he has to chase after Stewart for a golf game.
Stewart's presence in the golfing world impresses her peers; Bateman admits that her participation lends the sport a newfound cool factor, while Arnett contemplates inviting her to a pro-am event, testament to her acknowledged skill and passion for the game.
Stewart reveals her culinary curiosity and expertise when sharing her technique of emulsifying for a perfectly frothy pomodoro with butter, pondering the use of olive oil for a different but equally tasty result. Her command in the kitchen was showcased during Thanksgiving, where she took the reins alongside her girlfriend, albeit with some annoyance at the additional dishes others brought along.
Explaining her approach to cooking the turkey involves a dry brine and cooking in pieces, a method often revered by culinary aficionados for producing a more flavorful bird.
Attributing her zeal for cooking to her identity as a "food-obsessed stoner," Stewart finds j ...
Kristen's New Passions Outside Acting
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