HOLLYWOOD—The awards season has officially kicked off, the first of 2016 being the People Choice Awards which were held on Wednesday, January 6. This is the one ceremony that allows the public to vote on the winners, so things are not likely to align with those esteemed groups like the Hollywood Foreign Press, Recording Academy and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
The ceremony which is a bit more relaxed than other ceremonies was hosted by Jane Lynch who kicked off the festivities with a song and dance number. Why in the world does everyone think a song and a dance is the best way to kick off an awards show? I guess we will never know. Lynch got in with a few laughs by poking fun at Neil Patrick Harris, global phenomenon and stars before moving right to the handing out of trophies. I had to chuckle when she pointed fun at the Miss Universe flub at the expense of comedian Steve Harvey.
There were plenty of famous faces in the audience including Ellen DeGeneres, Melissa McCarthy, Kate Hudson, Jack Black and a load of others. The award for Favorite Comedic Movie Actress went to Melissa McCarthy, even though my inkling said it should have been Amy Schumer.
Winning the People Choice Award for Favorite Break-Out Artist was Shawn Mendes, while the award for Favorite Album was handed to Meghan Trainor “Title.” It became evident when the camera panned on Chris Hemsworth that he would be the one to win for Favorite Action Movie Star.
To lighten up the mood, Shawn Mendes hit the stage to indulge the audience with his musical talents performing his hits “Stitches” and “I Know What You Did Last Summer.” That skit with James Corden, Jay Leno and Jane Lynch was quite hilarious to say the least. The prize for Favorite Dramatic TV Actor went to Taylor Kinney for his work on “Chicago Fire.”
The award for Favorite Movie went to “Furious 7,” I think most of America would argue that prize should have been handed out to “Jurassic World.” Accepting the award was Vin Diesel who got a bit emotional as he paid tribute to the late Paul Walker. Favorite Cable TV Drama went to a very deserving “Pretty Little Liars” which gave me that reminder that the series returns next week on Tuesday, January 12.
I honestly cannot believe how many winners were cut short on their speeches at the People Choice Awards of all award shows. The People Choice Award for Favorite Movie Actress went to Sandra Bullock. How did I know? Well that bit right before the award was handed out focused on Sandy. On the other-hand of things, Favorite Dramatic Movie Actor was given to Johnny Depp who made an appearance on the stage to accept for his work in the drama “Black Mass.” He received an astounding standing ovation from the crowd.
Melissa McCarthy took the stage to pay tribute to Ellen DeGeneres who received the Humanitarian Award. I had no idea how charitable Ellen is. This woman has done tremendous things and she definitely deserves all the accolades. She gave a wonderful speech that further showcases just why Ellen is loved universally by so many people not only in America, but around the world.
The ceremony took a brief moment from handing out awards for Jason Derulo to hit the stage to perform his newest hit “Get Ugly.” Must say Jason sure knows how to craft a catchy tune for music lovers. Favorite Dramatic Movie Actress went to Dakota Johnson; I’m literally stunned that newbie to the industry beat out such big names like Jennifer Lopez, Rachel McAdams and Kate Winslet.
Wow, that was an awkward moment, when the ladies of “The Talk” took the stage. While Sara Gilbert was giving her acceptance speech a random guy jumped on the stage and attempted to steal their light, but Sheryl Underwood was not having any of it, and quickly booted the guy of the stage. That’s right Sheryl, let him have it.
“The Voice” winner Jordan Smith with assistance from David Foster proved why he was victorious for season nine. All I have to say is those established singers out there should be concerned. Closing out the final awards of the night were the awards for Favorite TV Comedy which went to a deserving “The Big Bang Theory” and Favorite TV Drama to which went to “Grey’s Anatomy.”
I must say I wasn’t thrilled about watching the People Choice Awards, but found the 2016 ceremony to be quite entertaining. With the Golden Globe awards being held on Sunday, viewers can expect a totally different outcome than what was seen at the People Choice Awards!
