Francophiles rejoice! Franco named Breakthrough Actor

James Franco and Sally Hawkins will receive Breakthrough Actor and Actress trophies at the 12th Annual Hollywood Film Festival.  (Somewhere Greg is weeping with joy...)

Last seen in toking it up in Pineapple Express, Franco will turn up next in Gus Van Sant's Milk, while Hawkins has a star turn in Mike Leigh's Happy-Go-Lucky. Can Franco be considered as a Breakthrough actor if he's been around for over a decade?

Co-chaired by Paul Haggis, the Hollywood Awards will also honor Doubt-helmer John Patrick Shanley and Milk scribe Dustin Lance Black with Breakthrough awards.

Wall-E and director Andrew Stanton will get the Hollywood Animation award. Ironman will receive the Visual Effects award for f/x supervisors John Nelson and Ben Snow.

The gala will take place at the Beverly Hilton Hotel Oct. 27.

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