Actor James Franco, who had new sexual misconduct allegations leveled against him earlier in the day, was among the early winners at the Critics’ Choice Awards on Thursday, but he wasn’t on hand to accept his award. Franco, 39, won best actor in a comedy film for his starring turn in “The Disaster Artist” at the end of an hourlong pre-telecast during which a dozen awards were presented. “James couldn’t be here, so we accept this on his behalf,” presenter Walter Goggins said after Franco’s win was announced. Franco is the latest celebrity to become embroiled in a sexual misconduct scandal. Following his Sunday night win at the Golden Globes for best actor, several women – including Violet Paley and Sarah Tither Kaplan – accused the actor of past sexual misconduct.

Source: Fox News January 12, 2018 06:11 UTC