James Franco Named Man of the Year

Golden Globe-winning actor James Franco will receive the Hasty Pudding Theatrical's 2009 Man of the Year award next Friday, Feb. 13, the group announced earlier today.

Franco is perhaps best know for his roles as Harry Osborn in the Spider-Man trilogy and actor James Dean in the biographical TNT movie, which earned him the 2001 Golden Globe for Best Actor in a miniseries or television film.

The 30-year-old California native--who has also appeared in the 90s television series "Freaks and Geeks" and the films "Pineapple Express" and "Tristan & Isolde"--can currently be seen in the biopic "Milk" across from Sean Penn.

Hasty Pudding producers Pierce E. Tria '10 and Charlotte E. Twaalfhoven '10 will roast Franco at New College Theatre Friday evening then present the actor with the traditional "Pudding Pot."

Following the ceremony, the Hasty Pudding will debut its 161th production, "Acropolis Now."

The Man of the Year award was first presented in 1963, twelve years after the group established its Woman of the Year award. Last year's Man of the Year was actor Christopher Walken.

--Staff writer Lauren D. Kiel can be reached at lkiel@fas.harvard.edu.

--Check thecrimson.com for updates throughout the night.