Born in Los Angeles to parents working in show business, Stewart began her acting career in 1999 with uncredited roles and a minor character appearance in several films.She gained notice in 2002 for playing Jodie Foster's daughter in the thriller Panic Room, which garnered her a Young Artist Award nomination for Best Leading Actress in a Feature Film.I never sought out acting, but I always practiced my autograph because I love pens.I'd write my name on everything." She also appeared in the independent film The Safety of Objects (2001), as the tomboy daughter of a troubled single mother (Patricia Clarkson).She was nominated again for a Young Artist Award for her performance.Stewart's first starring role was at age 14 in the children's action-comedy Catch That Kid (2004), opposite Max Thieriot and Corbin Bleu.

Twilight was released domestically on November 21, 2008.

That same year, Stewart had a small role in the Sean Penn-directed adaptation Into the Wild.

For her portrayal of Tracy – a teenage singer who has a crush on young adventurer Christopher Mc Candless (played by Emile Hirsch) – Stewart received mixed reviews.

As she grew up with a family who worked behind the camera, Stewart thought she would become a screenwriter/director, but never considered being an actor.

She recalled, "I never wanted to be the center of attention — I wasn't that 'I want to be famous, I want to be an actor' kid.