James Franco Best Supporting Male 2009 Spirit Awards

Looking dapper in a dark suit with a white shirt and dark tie, actor James Franco seemed surprised when he made his way through the star studded crowd to the stage to pick up the Best Supporting Male award at the 2009 Independent Spirit Awards.

(Image of James Franco - 2009 Independent Spirit Award - All Rights Reserved).

In Milk, James played the role of Scott Smith, co-starring with Sean Penn in the lead role of Harvey Milk.  The role was quite a departure for his famous role in Pineapple Express and he was considered a favorite to win the 2009 Spirit Award for his portrayal.

When he accepted his award he told the audience "thank you very much.  Uh I have no speech.

Before I even started acting I feel in love with Gus Van Sant's movies and I watched them repeatedly.  Mostly "My Own Private Idaho" and "Drugstore Cowboy."

James said "when I started acting I looked at those movies as something that you know, I just wanted to be a part of.  And so when I heard this movie was happening with probably my favorite actor Sean Penn and it was such an important story, that was enough for me and so everything after has been a bonus.  I'm just really grateful to be a part of it."

James thanked many for their contribution to the film and said "thanks Lance Black for a wonderful script, Bruce Cohen, Dan Jinks, Megan Happen, Gus Van Zandt, Focus, Groundswell and everyone that was a part of Harvey's life, that was around and really made this movie what it was that we couldn't do without them so Cleve Jones, Danny Nicoletta, Anne Kronenberg, everyone like that."

He ended by saying "thank you very much it means a lot."