In brainstorming headlines for this article, the first idea that came to mind was James Franco Is Doing The Most.

Its an evergreen choice, really. James Franco has always done the most. Between 2005 and 2017, hes directed 14 feature-length fiction films, most of which youve probably never heard of, as well as a handful of shorts and documentaries. He also finished an undergraduate degree from UCLA and earned an MFA from Columbia University; published a short story collection, two poetry anthologies and a novel; hosted the Oscars the same year he received a nomination for 127 Hours; made a multimedia project based on the sitcom Threes Company; made a multimedia project in which he nakedly wrestled the artist Paul McCarthy; acted in movies as varied as Milk, Rise of the Planet of the Apes and Spring Breakers; baited us to question his sexuality; taught classes at UCLA and NYU; and somehow found a free moment to write a New York Times op-ed defending Shia LaBeoufs performance art.

Yes, its been quite the decade for the elder Franco and 2017 may very well be his best year to date. The Deuce , the HBO drama on which he portrays twin brothers with connections to the mob, was a critical and commercial hit. Now his latest directorial endeavor, The Disaster Artist, has become a key player in the ongoing Oscar derby . It feels like Franco, whose restless oddities had become something of a punchline, is finally finding his way again.

Because he is nothing if not a multi-hyphenate, Franco also stars in The Disaster Artist, delivering the sharpest performance of his career. He uncannily plays Tommy Wiseau, the enigmatic director of The Room, proverbially known as the worst movie ever made. Based on a book co-written by Wiseaus friend Greg Sestero (portrayed in the film by Dave Franco) and journalist Tom Bissell, The Disaster Artist transforms the making of The Room into an uproarious and surprisingly layered portrait of friendship, perseverance and utter foolishness. Oh, and Franco stayed in character while directing it, in case you want to add another line item to his rsum.

I talked to Franco in New York a few weeks ago, before his Gotham Award victory for Best Actor elevated his status in the Academy Awards contest. Last time we met, when Franco was promoting the 2016 gay-porn drama King Cobra , he came across as aloof; this time, he was cheerful and engaged. We discussed his workaholic tendencies, feeling like people had grown tired of him, and his affection for Wiseau, whos become a dear friend.