Twilight star Kristen Stewart has become the first American actress to win a Cesar award, the so-called French Oscars.

Kristen Stewart has won best supporting actress award for her role in film drama Clouds of Sils Maria.

Clouds of Sils Maria is the latest in a series of films featuring the California-born Kristen Stewart to earn critical acclaim.

The big winner of last night ceremony at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris was Timbuktu, which won seven awards including best film and director.

The movie depicts life in northern Mali under the control of Islamist militants, and is competing for best foreign film at Sunday’s Oscars.

Accepting the prize, Kristen Stewart shouted: “I love you Juliette” in French to her co-star Juliette Binoche.

She later paid tribute to French filmmakers.

There also was recognition for another American actor, Sean Penn, who got a lifetime achievement award.

In his acceptance speech, Timbuktu director Abderrahmane Sissako called France a “magnificent country” for its response to the deadly Islamist attacks last month.

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