Have you ever danced with vampires in the pale moonlight? No? Well, neither have most of us, but we’ve all vicariously tasted the forbidden fruit of Tinseltown romance through the saga of Twilight actors Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart.
Alas, their fairytale romance wasn’t meant for eternity, and in 2013, it came to an end, leaving fans with a bittersweet aftertaste. The on-screen chemistry that riveted audiences didn’t just earn them the title of the talk of the town; it also led them to bag the Best Kiss award in 2011 at the MTV Movie Award.
Who could forget the event where Pattinson, in a playful twist, swapped his expected smooch from Stewart for a jaw-dropping clinch (& kiss) with Taylor Lautner, leaving the audience & cameras in a frenzied flash? Thankfully, Zathura: A Space Adventure star—who was looking ravishing in a red gorgeous dress—didn’t seem to mind. In fact, it seemed like Stewart found the entire thing uproarious.
Looking Back: Robert Pattinson & Kristen Stewart’s 2011 ‘Best Kiss’ Win at MTV Movie Awards
The Twilight stars, Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart, had hearts racing when they first met on the set of Catherine Hardwicke’s 2008 flick and sparked a romantic relationship that had fans swooning. However, the fairytale came crashing down in 2013 when they decided to part ways, leaving fans heartbroken.
The dynamic duo stole the show at the MTV Movie Awards in 2011, winning the Best Kiss award for their passionate smooch in The Twilight Saga: Eclipse (2010). Beating out tough competition from the likes of Emma Watson and Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1), Natalie Portman and Mila Kunis (Black Swan), Pattinson & Stewart were on cloud nine.
However, the night took an unexpected turn when The Batman star surprised everyone by kissing his male co-star, Taylor Lautner (who was sitting in the audience).
Shortly after receiving the award, as the audience erupted in cheers, Pattinson, 38, was heard telling Stewart:
Oh man, I feel bad because I don’t feel like kissing you. You don’t want to kiss me, do you?
Stewart, on the other hand, was all for it and even suggested they go for it:
Ahh.. it’s been a long time, maybe we should go for it.
With the crowd egging them on, Pattinson said:
I think someone in the audience may appreciate it a little more. And I just want to do it.
The actor then dashed into the audience, grabbed Lautner’s face, and smooched him in a steamy embrace, shocking everyone. It was undoubtedly a moment that Twilight fans will remember for the rest of their lives.
What Went Wrong Between Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart?
In spite of their passionate relationship, Twilight aficionados might be wondering why Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart broke up.
Following their encounter on the set of the first Twilight film, where they portrayed Bella Swan and Edward Cullen, Pattinson and Stewart began dating in 2009. Regarding her initial chemistry reads with Pattinson, Stewart told The New Yorker in 2021:
[He had an] intellectual approach that was combined with ‘I don’t give a f*ck about this, but I’m going to make this sing.’
After dating intermittently for four years, Stewart and Pattinson called it quits in May 2013. The split occurred a year after the Still Alice actress was accused of cheating on her former boyfriend with her Snow White and the Huntsman director, Rupert Sanders. Stewart, however, did apologize for hurting Pattinson (see PEOPLE). She said:
I’m deeply sorry for the hurt and embarrassment I’ve caused to those close to me and everyone this has affected.
On the other hand, Pattinson was “really depressed” after learning of the infidelity, a source claimed to Us Weekly at the time. The insider added:
He doesn’t know if he should forgive her or not.
Regardless, as Bella Swan and Edward Cullen, their on-screen love defied mortal limitations, and off-screen, their relationship was equally electric.
Whether it’s stealing kisses on stage or turning heads with their once-magnetic chemistry, the former couple continues to delight audiences worldwide. Twilight may have ended, but the legacy of these talented actors lives on, leaving us all dreaming of a love story as epic as Edward and Bella’s.
Twilight can be rented on Apple TV.
