AceShowbiz - James Franco was seen enjoying a date night in France during the prestigious Cannes Film Festival.

The acclaimed actor, best known for his role in The Interview, made a striking appearance alongside his longtime girlfriend, Izabel Pakzad, as they attended the screening of The Electric Kiss on May 12. The event marked a notable return for James Franco to the festival’s red carpet.

For the occasion, James Franco, 48, chose a timeless black tuxedo paired with a bow tie. He accessorized with black sunglasses, shielding his eyes from the bright French sun throughout the carpet event. Beside him, Izabel Pakzad, 30, looked elegant in a sleek black dress, complemented by a bold silver necklace and open-toed heels. Her long hair flowed freely, completing the sophisticated look.

James Franco and Izabel Pakzad, who is an actress and filmmaker, have been in a relationship since 2017. Over the years, they have increasingly made public appearances together, showcasing their enduring bond at events such as Cannes, where they have been spotted attending for the last three years.

However, James Franco’s public presence was significantly diminished for a period following serious allegations made against him in 2018. He faced accusations of sexual misconduct from five women, four of whom were his acting students at the time.

Two of those students took legal action in 2019, filing a lawsuit against James Franco and his associates Vince Jolivette and Jay Davis. The lawsuit was settled in 2021, with reports from E! News revealing that the settlement required the three men to pay over $2 million.

During the period following the allegations, James Franco largely avoided the media and public interviews. It was not until 2021 that he addressed the lawsuit in a rare interview on The Jess Cagle Show. In that conversation, he admitted to having sexual relationships with some of his students but insisted that these encounters were consensual.

Following the controversy, James Franco experienced a significant decline in his Hollywood career. He has since spoken about the impact the events had on his life and career trajectory. In a 2024 interview with Variety, he reflected on the difficult experience, saying, “Being told you're bad is painful,” but also acknowledged that the setback was a necessary turning point.

James Franco explained that the hiatus from acting allowed him to reassess his life and priorities. “I guess what I seek to fulfill me in life [is different],” he said, adding that the break gave him the opportunity to focus on private work and make important personal changes.

The controversy also influenced how he viewed long-term relationships. James Franco shared that he now dedicates more time to his personal life, especially his relationship with Izabel Pakzad. He noted, “I've had a relationship for seven-and-a-half years. I was never able to do that before. I was just too scared, really, to have any sort of real intimacy with anyone.”

Currently, James Franco and Izabel Pakzad appear to be enjoying their time together, frequently attending events and making public appearances as a couple. Their presence at Cannes for the past three years highlights their steady relationship amid the actor’s career fluctuations.