James Franco ’08

Nabbing his first Oscar nomination on Jan. 25, 2011, at age 32, it already seems like James Franco ’08 has done it all. He has starred in films that range from the blockbuster Spider-man to the stoner comedy Pineapple Express. He has played the heartthrob James Dean and the extravagant Allen Ginsberg. He is an actor, director, writer, artist and eternal university student.

Franco’s 2011 Oscar nod came for Best Actor in a Leading Role for his portrayal of Aron Ralson in Danny Boyle’s grueling and sublime 127 Hours. Based on a true story, the movie called on Franco to realistically and graphically portray a man who was forced to amputate his own arm in order to save his life. In addition to earning recognition for his role as an actor, he was also selected to co-host the show with Anne Hathaway.

Long before he was recognized as a multi-hyphenated talent, Franco was a Bruin, enrolled at UCLA as an English major. His move to Los Angeles for school gave him the opportunity to pursue an acting career and led to his breakthrough role on Freaks and Geeks, 1999-2000,the critically acclaimed TV show executive produced by comedy genius Judd Apatow. The next decade was filled with a wide range of movie roles propelling his rise to fame and recognition as an actor.

In spite of his successful film career, Franco was determined to continue his education. He returned to UCLA to finish his degree and then continued his academic pursuits, enrolling in four creative graduate programs and at Yale for a Ph.D. in English. Whether it’s reflected in the roles he plays or the courses he takes, Franco has made it clear that he has the drive to do achieve both his artistic and intellectual goals.

Find out more about Franco and his UCLA experience.

In 2009, Franco had to bow out of his engagement to deliver the UCLA Commencement address, but he scored laughs with an expletive-enhanced spoof speech that was posted online.