Kristen Stewart made headlines at the 78th annual Cannes Film Festival, not just for her fashion-forward Chanel ensemble, but for unveiling a striking new tattoo — and the eyebrow-raising backstory behind it.
The Twilight star, 35, attended the May 16 premiere of her directorial debut, The Chronology of Water, wearing a white Chanel suit that blended elegance with her signature edge. The look featured a tailored jacket, sheer blouse, and trouser shorts — a playful twist on the red carpet’s typically formal dress code. Stewart added a bold touch by leaving a few blouse buttons undone, a subtle nod to the festival’s strict ban on nudity and overtly revealing attire.
But it was her new ink that truly stole the show.
Positioned just above her right knee and clearly visible thanks to her shorts, the tattoo simply reads “MINE” in capital letters — a word that holds deeper meaning for Stewart and her film crew.
In an interview with Vulture, Stewart explained that the tattoo references a raw and provocative moment in The Chronology of Water, an adaptation of Lidia Yuknavitch’s memoir. She shared that the film’s crew plans to get matching tattoos to commemorate the experience.
“The coolest song in the movie plays during this wild moment,” Stewart explained. “She c—s on her hand, smells it, wipes it on her f—— bicep, and says, ‘I didn’t know a girl body could do that. Shoot c–e.’ And then the music comes in and it just goes, ‘Mine, mine, mine, mine.’ It’s just f—— mine.”
While the tattoo’s message is unapologetically NSFW, it reflects the raw energy and unapologetic tone Stewart brought to her first major film as a director.
The actress has embraced several bold transformations during her time at Cannes. In addition to the tattoo reveal, she debuted ombré pink tips in her hair — perfectly coordinated with her Chanel look — at the photocall for The Chronology of Water. Stewart was joined by cast members including Imogen Poots, Thora Birch, Earl Cave, Michael Epp, Susannah Flood, Kim Gordon, Jim Belushi, Julienne Restall, and Tom Sturridge.
Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter ahead of the premiere, Stewart admitted that the film is still a work in progress.
“We barely finished this movie. It’s not even done,” she said candidly. “I need to come home and literally have two more weeks in color and sound. This is my f—— first draft.”
Still, the unfiltered emotion and creative boldness that Stewart brings to the screen — and the red carpet — are unmistakable. Whether The Chronology of Water “crashes and burns,” as she put it, or makes a lasting impact, Stewart is determined to do it her way.
Related topics: