LOS ANGELES – “Twilight” again stole the limelight at the People’s Choice awards on Wednesday, on a night that also saw big wins for singer Katy Perry and actor Johnny Depp at the start of the Hollywood awards season. Organizers said a record 175 million votes were cast on social media and on the internet for the favorite stars of television, movies and music in an awards show that is totally fan-driven.
Despite being the earliest of Hollywood’s glittering awards shows, the People’s Choice picks gave few clues this year to the likely winners of industry-voted honors such as the Oscars or the Screen Actors Guild honors.
“The Twilight Saga; Eclipse” the third installment of the popular vampire romance, won for favorite movie and favorite drama. “Twilight” star Kristen Stewart beat veterans like Julia Roberts, Angelina Jolie and Julia Roberts to take the favorite movie actress trophy. “Twilight” and its cast are not expected to be among Oscar nominees when they are announced on Jan 25. “Alice in Wonderland” star Johnny Depp took home the favorite movie actor trophy for the second year running.
Television honors went to musical comedy “Glee” and its scheming cheerleader played by Jane Lynch, while medical drama “House” picked up trophies for best drama and best actress for Lisa Edelstein.
The remake of “Hawaii Five-O” and the Twitter inspired comedy “$#*! (Bleep) My Dad Says” won for favorite new TV shows.
Katy Perry, whose infectious pop hits “California Gurls” and “Teenage Dream” dominated the charts last year, picked up trophies for favorite female artist and favorite web celebrity, beating the flamboyant Lady Gaga. Taylor Swift, whose “Speak Now” album was one of the biggest sellers of 2010, won best country artist. Swift’s award was presented by singer Sir Elton John, a new parent with his partner David Furnish. More than 44 awards were given out including one for best talk show host to comedian Conan O’Brien. O’Brien started 2010 by being forced out of his job on “The Tonight Show” and ended it by launching his own show on cable channel TBS.
