USA: "Star Wars" gets revenge at People's Choice Awards in Los Angeles

Epic space adventure "Star Wars: Episode III, Revenge of the Sith" won best overall film and best drama honors on Tuesday (January 10) in Los Angeles, California at the People's Choice Awards, a widely watched measure of movie, television and star appeal. In two other film categories, box office hit "Wedding Crashers" was named top comedy and "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" was chosen as the favorite family movie. For "Star Wars" creator George Lucas, the People's Choice Awards held special significance because winners are voted on by fans who cast ballots online, unlike other Hollywood honors given by industry groups and the media. Despite being a multibillion-dollar film franchise, the six "Star Wars" movies have had a mixed record with critics and Hollywood award groups. Sandra Bullock was named favorite female movie star, and Reese Witherspoon collected the trophy for favorite leading lady playing country singer June Carter in Oscar-hopeful film, "Walk the Line." One night earlier, Witherspoon won a Critics' Choice award, but like Lucas she noted that the popular voting for the People's Choice held a special appeal. "I just want to say thank you so much I mean this is such an amazing award to get because you guys voted for it," Witherspoon said as she accepted her award. Jennifer Garner was chosen top female action star over Angelina Jolie and Catherine Zeta-Jones. Matthew McConaughey won favorite male action star over Brad Pitt and The Rock. Ray Romano was named favorite male TV star even though his show, "Everybody Loves Raymond," has been off air for many months. "They feel sorry for me it is all pity but I love them," Romano said on the arrival line. The show also earned the title best TV comedy, while "My Name is Earl" picked up the trophy for best new TV comedy. Other TV awards went to "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation" for best drama, and "Prison Break" for favorite new drama. Ellen DeGeneres was favorite daytime talk show host, and Jay Leno earned the title favorite late night show host. "American Idol" was chosen best competition show, and "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" was favorite reality show. Actor Dominic Monaghan told Reuters he does not need accolades to know he is doing a good job but is happy that the public loves his show "Lost". "For me as an actor it (awards) is not the reason why work I but I think for a show that I am involved with to be recognized is important it means that we are involved in the public pop culture so in that way to stay trendy to stay cool it is important. The People's Choice Awards is unique in a way that it is the people , it is the guy on the street that chooses who is going to get the awards . So, yes it is a good thing to turn up to," Monaghan said on the arrival line. In music categories, one-time "American Idol" star Kelly Clarkson was named favorite female performer, and country star Tim McGraw was best male performer. Rockers Green Day picked up an award for best music group, and U2 won the award for best concert tour. Singer Jessica Simpson, who recently separated from husband Nick Lachey, started off the show singing "These Boots Are Made For Walkin,'" and later the song, which is from the film "The Dukes of Hazzard," won the award for favorite song in a movie. Actor George Lopez teased the starlet about her recent separation from Lachey.

ITN Source | January 12, 2006

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