Twilight steals limelight at People’s Choice

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – 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.

Katy Perry

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 favourite drama. Twilight star Kristen Stewart beat veterans like Julia Roberts, Angelina Jolie and Julia Roberts to take the favorite movie actress trophy.

“I can’t believe this. You guys are unreal! For movie number 3 already?” said Twilight actor Taylor Lautner, accepting the trophies. 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 favourite movie actor trophy for the second year running.

Taylor Lautner, Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinsen

Television honours 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 favourite new TV shows.

Katy Perry, whose infectious pop hits “California Gurls” and “Teenage Dream” dominated the charts last year, picked up trophies for favourite female artist and favorite web celebrity, beating the flamboyant Lady Gaga. “I’ve had an incredible year!” she told the audience.

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. “Elton! Congrats to you! You’re a dad now,” Swift told him, before thanking her own fans.

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.

“I want to thank everyone who made what could have been a horrible year into the best year of my life,” O’Brien said.