Mumbai, Feb. 24 -- In an awards season mired by controversies and calls for accountability, the spotlight turned unexpectedly towards James Franco and the allegations against him. As Hollywood dressed up for its glittering nights, the shadows of misconduct allegations loomed large, casting a pall over the celebrations. Franco, nominated for his role in The Disaster Artist, found himself at the center of a storm that was part personal, part industry-wide.

Alison Brie, Franco's sister-in-law, found herself in an unenviable position when questioned about the allegations against Franco. "I think that above all what we've always said is it remains vital that anyone who feels victimized does have the right to speak out," Brie stated, encapsula...