James Franco has been featured at the Outfest Film Festival for his previous roles in I am Michael and Howl, but it was his latest film that landed him the first annual James Schamus Award.

The aforementioned film, King Cobra, is about the real life murder of gay porn baron Bryan Kocis. In the film, Franco plays a rival producer, alongside Keegan Allen (Pretty Little Liars), and Christian Slater, who plays Kocis.

Franco made a pre-recorded acceptance video, in which he said, “So many of my heroes have been in this community, are a part of this community and I’m just honoured to be awarded this [James Schamus Award]. I love so many of these stories and so many people and so many artists in particular. So, I’m honoured to tell their stories."

IFC Films has acquired the U.S. rights to King Cobra, which premiered during this year's Tribeca Film Festival to rave reviews.