This image released by NBC shows James Franco, center, accepting the award for best actor in a motion picture comedy or musical for his role in "The Disaster Artist," as Tommy Wiseau, left, and brother Dave Franco look on at the 75th Annual Golden Globe Awards in Beverly Hills, Calif., on Sunday, Jan. 7, 2018. (Paul Drinkwater/NBC via AP)

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. - James Franco took what was arguably the worst performance in movie history and turned it into what was arguably his own greatest role, taking home a Golden Globe on Sunday for "The Disaster Artist" that puts him on the inside track for an Academy Award nomination.

Franco played Tommy Wiseau, Hollywood cult hero of mysterious origins and the force behind the worst-best-film-ever "The Room," in "The Disaster Artist."

"First person I have to thank is the man himself, Tommy Wiseau, come on up here Tommy!" Franco shouted when he accepted the award.

Wiseau darted out of his chair, ran across the room, and leapt up to the stage with his long, dyed-black hair and sunglasses looking, as Franco's friend and co-star Seth Rogen described him earlier in the show, "like a vampire went to a costume party dressed as Johnny Depp ."

Franco's remarks were as much an acceptance speech for Wiseau as they were for Franco himself.

"Nineteen years ago, he was stuck in traffic and saw a sign for the Golden Globes," said Franco, who then broke into Wiseau's mystery accent as he did in the film. "Golden Globz, I don't care, I'm not invited. Guy with long hair, accent. So I show them. I don't wait for Hollywood, I make my own movie."

Wiseau was among the most popular partners for celebrities posing for photos on the red carpet Sunday.

Franco, 39, a clear but not overwhelming favourite in the category, beat out fellow nominees Steve Carell for "Battle of the Sexes," Ansel Elgort for "Baby Driver," Hugh Jackman for "The Greatest Showman" and Daniel Kaluuya for "Get Out."

It was Franco's first Golden Globe for a film role in his third nomination in the movie categories.

He won a Golden Globe in 2002 playing the title character in the biopic "James Dean."

His one previous Oscar nomination came in 2011 for "127 Hours."

Franco later shifted to earnest in his speech.

"This was billed as a movie about making the best worst movie ever made, but in fact it's a movie about friendship, he said, thanking Rogen and his brother Dave, who co-starred as his best friend in the film.

"I used to want my own Coen brother, someone to collaborate with," James Franco said, putting an arm around his brother. "I realized I had a Franco brother. Thanks to my mother for giving him to me."

___

Follow Andrew Dalton on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/andyjamesdalton

___

This story has been corrects Seth Rogen's quote about Tommy Wiseau.

___

For full coverage of awards season, visit: https://apnews.com/tag/AwardsSeason

News from © The Associated Press, 2018