Franco, Portman pick up Spirit Awards

Oscar nominee James Franco was presented with yet another awards season prize last night, as he won 'Best Actor' at the Independent Spirit Awards.

Franco received the award for his role in Danny Boyle's acclaimed 127 Hours, and said that the prize was a significant one for him.

"I just went through film school at NYU and finished my thesis film, so independent film means a lot to me," Franco said of the win, according to People.

The actor admitted that his publicist had to persuade him to take on the role of real-life adventurer Aron Ralston in the film, telling him: "James, you're an effing idiot if you don't do this movie."

Also picking up an award at the ISA ceremony was a heavily pregnant Natalio Portman, who was deemed 'Best Actress' for her role as a ballerina in Darren Aronofsky's Black Swan.

Franco is to host tonight's Academy Awards ceremony alongside Anne Hathaway.