James Franco Returns to Cannes Red Carpet With 30-Year-Old Izabel Pakzad
Updated
Updated · E! NEWS · May 14
James Franco Returns to Cannes Red Carpet With 30-Year-Old Izabel Pakzad
6 articles · Updated · E! NEWS · May 14
May 12 brought James Franco, 48, back to the Cannes Film Festival red carpet, where he attended The Electric Kiss screening with longtime girlfriend Izabel Pakzad.
Pakzad, 30, joined Franco in black eveningwear as the couple made another high-profile appearance after dating since 2017 and appearing together at Cannes for the last three years.
Franco had largely stayed out of the spotlight after 2018 sexual-misconduct accusations by five women; a 2019 lawsuit by two former students was settled in 2021 for more than $2 million.
In later interviews, Franco said the fallout forced him to reassess his career and personal life, describing his roughly 7.5-year relationship with Pakzad as a sign of changed priorities.
Can James Franco’s return to Cannes and new film roles truly signal a lasting comeback after serious misconduct allegations and industry backlash?
How do public apologies and high-profile relationships influence Hollywood’s willingness to forgive and reintegrate controversial figures like Franco?
What does Franco’s ongoing career say about the entertainment industry’s true stance on accountability and second chances after #MeToo?