CinemaCon awards honor array of stars

The Franco boys are making acting a family affair.

James Franco’s little brother Dave was honored as the Breakthrough Performer of the Year on Thursday, the closing night of CinemaCon.

Held at Caesars Palace over four days, the awards show capped the official convention of The National Association of Theatre Owners.

The brothers (James, 37, and Dave, 30) are teaming up for the first time on “The Disaster Artist,” based on “The Room,” the 2003 cult classic. James Franco is directing the film.

Male Star of the Year honors went to Jesse Eisenberg, who plays Lex Luthor in the recently released “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.”

Female Stars of the Year were Mila Kunis, Kristen Bell, Christina Applegate, Kathryn Hahn and Annie Mumolo. They team up in the raunchy comedy, “Bad Moms,” which comes out July 29.

Five-time Academy Award nominee Susan Sarandon was honored with the Cinema Icon Award.

The Ensemble of the Universe Award went to the cast of “Independence Day: Resurgence”: Liam Hemsworth, Jeff Goldblum, Bill Pullman, Maika Monroe, Jessie Usher, Sela Ward, Vivica A. Fox and Brent Spiner.

Other honorees: Male Star of Tomorrow, Stephen Amell; Female Star of Tomorrow, Gina Rodriguez; Producer of the Year, Jason Blum; Comedy Stars of the Year, Zac Efron, Anna Kendrick and Adam DeVine; Breakthrough Director of the Year, Nate Parker, “The Birth of a Nation”; Rising Star of the Year, Jack Huston; CinemaCon Excellence in Acting Award, Bryce Dallas Howard; and CinemaCon Vanguard Award, Keanu Reeves.

THE SCENE AND HEARD

The touring days of superstar stand-up comedian Kevin Hart may be over. He told Variety during CinemaCom that after doing 156 shows on his most recent globe-hopping run, he’s not sure “if I’m going to do it again.” The tour took him to 112 cities, 13 countries and five continents.

SIGHTINGS

Keanu Reeves, in town for CinemaCon, checked out the Vista Cocktail Lounge (Caesars Palace) on Wednesday night. He’s in the upcoming “John Wick: Chapter Two.” … Academy Award-winning actor Russell Crowe, meeting the cast at Blue Man Group (Luxor) on Tuesday. Earlier in the day he was at Gold & Silver Pawn, home of “Pawn Stars.” He purchased a rare coin. … Former stars of “The Bold and The Beautiful” soap series Lorenzo Lamas and Winsor Harmon, catching lunch on Wednesday at La Comida. … Singer Aubrey O’Day and boyfriend/DJ Pauly D, among the grand opening of XCycle at Boca Park on Saturday. Also there: Britney Spears’ manager Larry Rudolph and his fiancee Jen Barnet, partners in the fitness studio.

THE PUNCH LINE

“After 20 years, Kobe Bryant tonight played his final game in purple and gold. He suited up for the Lakers for the very last time. Kobe’s officially retired from basketball. The rest of the team retired in November.” – Jimmy Kimmel

Norm Clarke’s column appears Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Friday. He can be reached at 702-383-0244 ornorm@reviewjournal.com. Find more online at www.normclarke.com. On Twitter: @Norm_Clarke