Kristen Stewart wows fans at SBIFF American Riviera Award event
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - The crowd went, well, fanatic as actress Kristin Stewart arrived at the Arlington Theatre Friday night for the Santa Barbara International Film Festival.
The award-winning actress wore Chanel; a full-length black chiffon dress with a shear mid-drift, complete with peak-a-boo white tutu.
"Any opportunity to visit a festival, I'll go. I'm from California. I've been to this festival a couple years ago for "On the Road," Stewart told News Channel 3-12.
Stewart was honored Friday night with SBIFF's American Riviera Award for her career leading up to her performance as Princess Diana in Pablo Larrain's "Spencer."
But, it was her first role at the age of 12 that launched her career, starring in "Panic Room" with Jodie Foster.
Years and roles later, the 31-year-old actress achieved global stardom for her role as Bella Swan in the Twilight saga film series. That film, and Stewart's relationship with co-star Robert Pattison, heavily influenced one particular fan who traveled from Ohio for SBIFF's Friday night event.
"She's just amazing and I love her so much, wish I could tell her today," said Elaine Bertado.
Bertado said she flew out from Ohio and arrived outside the Arlington Theatre just after 7:30 a.m. Friday morning. The 22-year-old woman said English is her second language and she thanks Stewart and her Twilight co-star for that.
"I'm from Brazil so I learned English because of her and Robert Pattison in 2012 because I wanted to understand what they're speaking in their interviews so that's how I learned English," said Bertado.
Tammy Zybura of Santa Barbara, another Kristen Stewart fan, said was so impressed with Bertado's story, she gave her a magazine featuring the superstar, hoping she could get an autograph.
"I just have a lot of respect for strong women who are secure with themselves," Zybura said, describing her admiration for Stewart.
Minutes later, Bertado said she was hoping for more than an autograph.
"I want her to sign up my arm cuz I want to do a tattoo."
Hours later at the red carpet Friday night, we shared Bertado's story with Stewart. The actress was moved.
"I feel the exact same way when I see people outside like that," Stewart said. "We make movies in order to be visible and seen so, thank you to whoever may feel that way."
