Franco rejects hosting criticism

The fallout from James Franco and Anne Hathaway's unimpressive hosting of the Oscars continues to percolate. Now, one of the show's writers has been drawn into a dispute with grunty Franco. Bruce Vilanch told New York magazine that the actor, who was himself nominated for 127 Hours, "didn't get there", and that his performance had been damaged by an overly busy schedule.

As well as appearing in the odd movie, Franco is studying at Yale and – allegedly as part of some grim performance-art piece – makes regular appearances on the soap opera General Hospital. "He has so many balls in the air he didn't get to town till Thursday before the show on Sunday," said Vilanch.

Franco didn't take the criticism lightly. The actor immediately tweeted a photograph of himself and Vilanch accompanied by a satirical screed. "James f***ed up the Oscars. Trust me, I know comedy. I mean, come on, I write for Bette Midler!" the caption read. Franco later removed the offending post.