Image Credit: Kevin Winter/Getty ImagesNo one will ever sum up what’s wrong with the People’s Choice Awards better than my former colleague Whitney Pastorek, who penned the 2009 dissertation “You showed up? Here’s a trophy!” But here’s what I’d like to add: If you truly want to do an awards show for “the people,” don’t spend two hours selling us projects and products (that I refuse to mention) in thinly-veiled embedded promotions, and don’t keep referring to us as “the people.” You are people, too, the last time I checked. It comes off condescending. Also, if Taylor Swift isn’t even trying to pretend she didn’t know she was a winner, then I promise you everyone realizes the stars are told who won ahead of time. And I understand that: The stars don’t want to piss “the people” off by looking like they can’t be bothered to accept an award from them, but there’s no way they’re going to show up to get stiffed by them. That’s fine. But just showing up to say “thanks” isn’t enough when it’s a two-hour televised show (unless you’re Favorite Movie Actor Johnny Depp and, in a voice that sounds oddly like Robert Shaw, you tell your award presenter, Taylor Swift, “My daughter said that if I didn’t say ‘hi’ to you, I’d be in big trouble, so, ‘hi’ from my daughter”). Prepare something. Entertain us. Because the only thing worse than bombing is bombing on a show when we know you had time to prepare. I’d honestly prefer the stars pre-record something funny/interesting so we, the people, get something out of it. Rant over. Let’s list the evening’s most awkward moments, then the full list of winners.
The nominees for Favorite Awkward Moment are:
• Near the end of the show, when Kristen Stewart won Favorite Movie Actress, and she, Taylor Lautner, and Robert Pattinson were suddenly sitting in the front row. No way they were there the whole night, when Kristen and Rob lost Favorite Movie Star Under 25 to Zac Efron. Do they book the stars in half hour increments? “It’s always surreal to be at places like this, but I was a vampire this morning in Baton Rouge, so it’s really weird,” Stewart said, having flown in from the set of Breaking Dawn. The trio later accepted the award for Favorite Movie and Favorite Movie Drama, and also won Favorite Onscreen Team.
• Taylor Swift presented Favorite Movie Actor, immediately making you think of her rumored recent breakup with Jake Gyllenhaal. Oh, and her ex Lautner was a nominee.
• Jennifer Aniston and her breasts (no shirt under a vest) presented the first award, Favorite Comedic Star, to Adam Sandler, who is currently sporting a black eye; then she announced that Grown Ups won Favorite Comedy Movie, and David Spade and Rob Schneider, who just happened to be in the audience, joined Sandler on stage, before Sandler plugged his movie with Aniston.
• In a pre-taped video, the Whittaker Family, winners of Favorite Viral Video Star for “‘Single Ladies’ Devastation,” are surprised at their door not with the actual Waterford crystal trophy, which they’re told is still being engraved in Ireland, but with a giant trophy made out of Wheat Thins, which sponsored that category. At the ceremony, they’re present to exchange the trophies, and their Wheat Thins one has bites taken out of it — because “the people” got hungry.
• Jane Lynch won for Favorite TV Comedy Actress, and Cory Monteith and Chris Colfer joined her onstage because Glee also won Favorite TV Comedy, only she didn’t know that they were standing behind her, so she gave them a shout-out pointing to their seats and then used all their time so they didn’t get to speak.
• Zachary Levi presented with Emma Roberts, and Jim Parsons presented with Miranda Cosgrove.
• Queen Latifah sounded off-key singing the opening number, “Dynamite,” with backup dancers who were, or were made to look like, “the people.” I will say she got commendable crowd participation with the arm-waving — minus Kathy Griffin. If Kathy Griffin is above doing something…
• A sneak peek of The Dilemma was clearly painstakingly edited to show a clip of Latifah, who has a role in the Vince Vaugh-Kevin James comedy.
• Conan O’Brien defeated Oprah Winfrey and Ellen DeGeneres for Favorite Talk Show Host and had to crouch to speak into the mic that presenter Mila Kunis used. (“At the Oscars, the thing goes up,” he cracked.)
• Elton John got a standing ovation just for showing up (to announce Taylor Swift as the Favorite Country Artist and plug Gnomeo & Juliet).
• Selena Gomez & the Scene, Favorite Breakout Artist, performed. They, by the way, beat Justin Bieber, Ke$ha, Bruno Mars, and B.o.B.
• Latifah asked Neil Patrick Harris to grade her performance as host, and she didn’t hear him upgrade his initial low mark and begged him for a higher grade (that was a fun idea that just went on too long, as did her bits in the crowd accosting the Kardashian and Twilight trios).
• In a pre-taped video, Latifah hit her head in rehearsal, which led into a dream sequence involving Kate Walsh, Taye Diggs, Dr. Drew, David Boreanaz, and Emily Deschanel — and felt like it was written by an online contest winner. Again, just because it’s for “the people,” doesn’t mean you can half-ass it on writers. But at least we found out why Kathy Griffin and the Kardashian sisters were both in the audience when Keeping Up with the Kardashians won Favorite TV Guilty Pleasure instead of My Life on the D-List (Kathy was the backup host in that dream sequence).
• There was a sneak peek of Season of the Witch – that’s the best they could do? Ditto for the Kid Rock performance.
• Latifah plugged the phones carried by presenters and used to announce the winners instead of the traditional envelopes (because “the people” are tech savvy, but not smart enough to see through that product placement).
Winners — televised
Favorite Movie: The Twilight Saga: Eclipse
Favorite Drama Movie: The Twilight Saga: Eclipse
Favorite On Screen Team: Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart, and Taylor Lautner (The Twilight Saga: Eclipse)
Favorite Comedy Movie: Grown Ups
Favorite Comedic Star: Adam Sandler
Favorite Movie Actor: Johnny Depp
Favorite Movie Actress: Kristen Stewart
Favorite Movie Star Under 25: Zac Efron
Favorite TV Drama: House
Favorite TV Comedy: Glee
Favorite TV Comedy Actor: Neil Patrick Harris
Favorite TV Comedy Actress: Jane Lynch
Favorite TV Drama Actress: Lisa Edelstein
Favorite Talk Show Host: Conan O’Brien
Favorite TV Guilty Pleasure: Keeping Up With the Kardashians
Favorite New TV Drama: Hawaii Five-0
Favorite New TV Comedy: $#*! My Dad Says
Favorite Female Artist: Katy Perry
Favorite Online Sensation: Katy Perry
Favorite Breakout Artist: Selena Gomez & the Scene
Favorite Country Artist: Taylor Swift
Favorite Viral Video Star Winner: “Single Ladies” Devastation, The Whittaker Family
Winners — untelevised
Favorite Action Movie: Iron Man 2
Favorite Family Movie: Toy Story 3
Favorite Horror Movie: A Nightmare on Elm Street
Favorite Action Star: Jackie Chan
Favorite Competition Show: American Idol
Favorite TV Crime Drama: Lie to Me
Favorite TV Crime Fighter: Tim Roth, Lie to Me
Favorite TV Drama Actor: Hugh Laurie, House
Favorite TV Doctor: Gregory House, Hugh Laurie
Favorite TV Family: The Simpsons, The Simpsons
Favorite Sci-Fi/Fantasy Show: Fringe
Favorite TV Obsession: Dexter
Favorite TV Guest Star: Demi Lovato, Grey’s Anatomy
Favorite Family TV Movie: Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam
Favorite TV Chef: Rachael Ray
Favorite Male Artist: Eminem
Favorite Song: “Love the Way You Lie” Eminem featuring Rihanna
Favorite Rock Band: Paramore
Favorite Pop Artist: Rihanna
Favorite R&B Artist: Usher
Favorite Hip-Hop Artist: Eminem
Favorite Music Video: “Love the Way You Lie” Eminem featuring Rihanna
I knew there was a reason I stopped watching that crap years ago. The Oscars/Globes may be stuffy but at least decent (even, dare I say, competent) films and actors tend to win them.
I miss whitney pastorek
Agreed. What happened to Whitney?
Seriously, I opened the article to get a summary of the awards because I missed them, expecting to get read some funny bits, but instead got a article that seems as if it was written by a teenager in her rebellious phase, that or a lesson in media that was absolutely depressing. Boo hoo, product placement, media thinks America is dumb, etc. WE KNOW. MOVE ON WITH YOUR TIRED ARGUMENTS.
i ThInK jAnE lYnCh Is LeTtInG sUcCeSs GeTtInG tO hEr HeAd.
yeah, this years ppl choice seemed to focus on queen latifa? Don’t know how anyone can stand her, I certainly can’t… the highlight of the night was when Ashton Kutcher announced the winner for favorite movie (twilight), he sounded disappointed lol
Are you kidding me right now? How old are you?
BP, You are definitely not Bizzaro savy.
it’s Elaine Benes. One n.
Yeah, what happened to Whitney?
Where did she go? When Slezak left, I cried, but thought, ‘I’ll have Whitney’s live blog of AI.’ But noooo, she’s gone too. Where did she go??
So, Mandi, don’t move. You have to stay. You and Barrett are my remaining favorite writers. Please stay.
who cares !
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i met him via – —–AgeLover. ℃○M~—–it gives you a chance to make your life better and open opportunities for you to meet the attractive young man and treat you like a queen. i love that !Maybe you wanna check it out or tell your friends–
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Agree. Thank God I live in Europe.
The only thing that would have given me pleasure would have been the awkwardness of Taylor Swift having to award the ‘Best Actor’ award to her ex-boyfriend Taylor Lautner. It would have been worth it.
I actually think they would’ve handled it maturely, to be honest.
Even though a part of me wanted to see what would happen if he did win.
Swift was his beard anyway.
I’m with KC.
KC is right on the money. Swift is turning into a professional beard. And EW should stop pushing the whole “they were a couple” thing because everyone knows it was a showmance and for what reason.
An awards show for retards
What’s the matter your favorite didn’t win?
The Peoples Choice Awards is easily the worst of all televised awards shows, always has been and always will be.
i agree
i watched it and it was horrible – i don’t care about the winners at all but the entire show was painful to watch
It always feels like they wrote the script for the thing the day before & rehearsed it once. I always get the feeling that the entertainers think it is just a waste of time to be there too. Also, it is clear that mostly tweens vote knowing what the results were. I watch TONS of TV & movies & I didn’t even realize it was time to vote. I don’t think it was publicized very well!!!
The Globes are not even comparable
To the Oscars. They are just a step up from the People’s Choice Award. Beat horror movie: A Nightmare on Elm Street… Did “the people” actually see it. it was horrible.
Television for people who hate entertainment.
lolz
Never watch this show. It’s too juvenile.
I think you just insulted the “Teen Choice Awards”
same difference
lol @ gigi!
But yes this show is really ridiculous. I am not sure if it was ever relevant, but I remember as a kid they used to explain how votes were tallied, basically telemarters calling random people and asking for their votes, and even in these tech savvy times that seems like a better way to do it, would have a better sampling of “people.” And the fact that they have NEVER included movies released after October has always bothered me.
there isn’t much difference between this and the TCA’s!
Yep. At least the Teen Choice Awards are honestly packaged.
The show was a commercial, not an awards show. Everyone knows they tell the winners, so, as some one said, why are so many not prepared? Latifah was working hard to make it seem fun. It wasn’t.
The only part of this telecast that was even remotely enjoyable was when Latifah was mocking the Kardashians right to their faces, sadly they were far too stupid to even realize it.
Are you kidding me right now? Just because someone is shy and unable to mask their shyness does NOT make them incompetent. Please, do some research before you start posting stupid stuff.
It does if you make your living speaking in front of people/cameras!
Twilight? They wouldn’t have even showed up if there wasn’t another movie coming out. They’ll need to change the name of the Award to “Stupid” People’s Choice Award.
Agreed. I didn’t even know it came on last night. lol.
I always forget it even exists.
But I’m ready for the REAL award shows to start!
I knew the show was going to be awkward, but knew Conan O’brien was going to be there, so knew he won, so I DVR’d the whole thing. It was so awkward, I think I got through the 2 hour award show in about 6 minutes. Just really bad stuff. It’s so forced and there’s really nothing good about it. I don’t even like when they pan to the audience because if you see anyone famous you know they are there to win. It’s dumb and I give Queen Latifah credit for doing this year after year, but she doesn’t help make things less akward, it’s kind of unsaveable
The whole show was awkward, partially because the winners seemed off base, and partially because Queen Latifah isn’t funny. Selena Gomez wins over Justin Bieber? Robert Pattinson loses to Zac Efron? Who picked Queen Latifah? It wasn’t the people.
Thank you, the whole Zac Efron winning over Robert Pattinson was shocking. I also found it weird because lately like at the Mtv Movie Awards, Pattinson was always winning over Efron. My guess on why it happend was that there was a vote spilt between Pattinson and Kristen Stewart and Efron somehow was the next in line to win, which is kind of stupid because I think Emma Watson is more talented than him and not to mention All the Harry Potter Movies made more money at the box office than any of Efron’s movies.
Emma Watson is the most talented out of that whole category! I really wanted her to win, but I’m glad Zac took it over the someone from the “twilight trio.” -___-
The kids don’t vote for talent, they vote for who is the cutest, hottest, “safest” and most popular at the moment.
I am the mother an 11 year old girl. She and her friends are all on top of the latest twlgt drama and the trio present and eveyone of them last night was pulling for zac efron. I was surprised but maybe I should’nt be. If it is the ppl than maybe they got it right. I know they did at my house with 5 little girls.
I agree that Emma Watson is the most talented in that category, she was superb in the Deathly Hallows, I think she stood out the most.
It would have been awesome if Emma had won that award. I think she was great in Deathly Hallows.
@Kenzie I agree, it seems like the kids care more about who’s popular and hot and less on talent. That’s why I like the Oscars and major award shows more. They don’t care about who’s sexy or gets on the cover on tabloid magazines all the time. They give it to someone who gives an amazing performance even if nobody knows who they are.
I’ve watched Peoples Choice awards show for years. Last night’s show was disappointing, to say the least. :/
and Favorite New TV Comedy: $#*! My Dad Says…seriously???
Exactly! I don’t know one person who likes this crap. Raising Hope, the only good new show this season, was robbed.
RIGHT…I thought the same thing. Who actually watches that? I thought it was convenient that both Favorite New Drama and Favorite New Comedy winners were pre-recorded and both happen to be on CBS.
Right up there with Hawaii 5-0 as best new drama. I can’t imagine who thought ‘the people’ would actually buy that–it’s clearly been bought and paid for by the networks. 5-0 is so bad I want to cry for Grace Park and Daniel Dae Kim.
Exactly… I think the voters must work for CBS.
That’s what I said! And Merry Bear, I usually agree with you, but I just find 5-0 hilariously fun. I mostly watch for the eye candy anyway.
I totally agree…show is so @$?*ing stupid
I watch the Shatner show and it’s great. And don’t weep for Kim and Park. They’re drawing paychecks for their work.
see I can not sit for that show. and even the ratings are not great. I think they poll the receivers to see who will show up and then that’s the one that wins. But in Shatners case he wouldn’t even show for the “people”
Write-in vote for most awkward moment:
David Spade saying in his acceptance speech that hopefully they’ll do “Grown Ups 2″ (and leaving out, “Please God, I REALLY need it.)
Or Katy Perry saying this award meant so much because it’s decided by the people and not computers. Last time I checked, all awards are decided by people. And she stammered through the whole thing. Prepare people. And could Kristen Stewart be any more annoying or awkward in public?
Robert Pattinson isn’t that talented anyway. That is why he lost. Everybody thinks he is all that because of the very much overrated Twilight movies and because he plays Edward Cullen. I like the fact that Zac Efron won because it was one of the wins that wasn’t predictable. Personally I think it should have been Emma Watson who has more talent than any of the people nominated and I say this even though I like Zac Efron. But she is seriously underrated.
Zac won because Rob and Kristen’s fans split the vote. Rob’s is plenty talented, as his casting in David Cronenberg’s new film shows, as well as the fact that Remember Me made a profit. None of KStew’s indies have come anywhere close to even making their budget back. She really didn’t deserve to win, but it just shows all the little girls who want to be with Rob have a lot of time on their hands and internet access, so they voted for her.
Robert Pattinson was in HP 4 and I loved him in that. He was perfect as Cedric. That’s how I always think of him.
Kristen Stewart always plays the same person: the awkward girl who doesn’t talk much or hold a conversation well. Speak? She got the lead role…a mostly mute girl. Panic Room? I don’t remember her speaking much in that one either. Always the same role. ALWAYS. They could have picked a better Bella. She has absolutely no facial expressions and her voice is completely monotonous. The book Bella does not match the on screen Bella at all. They really could have done a better casting job.
Likewise, Emma Watson (I haven’t seen Deathly Hallows yet, so I apologize if this is no longer true) has two modes of expression: angry and know-it-all. I don’t think she’s that great of an actress. The HP books are my ultimate favorite…I’ve been reading them since I was 8 or 9 (when the first one came out, to be exact). I’m 21 now. Emma Watson doesn’t do Hermione justice. Oh, and to be nit-picky, they only made her hair bushy in the first and/or second movies. Trademark Hermione look, which she lost. (And to be fair Tom Felton lost his greasy hair after the second movie too…also trademark of his character Draco.)
End rant.
Your arguments sort of win with the Cronenberg casting, and completely fail with the equation of “Remember Me” making a profit to Rob Pattinson having talent.
“The People” have really, really bad taste.
My thoughts exactly.
It is WAAAY past time to find a new host. Queen Latifah was pathetic! The least they could do was cut her awkward fawning over people in the audience and poor singing and tell us who won in all the categories that weren’t televised. Johnny Depp was the highlight of the night.
The People = 12-year-old girls.
I thought the same thing. I didn’t watch the whole thing, but while reading the winners, I thought this is the MTV movie awards & VMA’s wrapped into one
I agree. I think it was telling that I didn’t even know Demi Lovato was on Grey’s Anatomy (I haven’t missed an episode since Kevin McKidd joined up) and yet she won best guest? I bet the teen girls voting for this only knew her name so they voted for her.
Actually, I saw the episode she was in and was surprised it was her. She was pretty impressive in my opinion.
you missed a good episode of grys. She was on it and she sold it. It was an awsome performance.
I agree, I thought she was pretty great on Grey’s, and I really wasn’t expecting much. I guess I just assumed she would be another Miley Cyrus (aka completely talentless). She proved me wrong, though. Hope she gets better soon and does some more television. She seems suited to it.
Yep, you said it. “The people” that voted were probably just 12-year-old girls, which would be fine if this was the Kids’ or Teens’ Choice Awards. I wish adult movies, actors and musicians would win. Actually, I think some did, but there weren’t televised. I like Twilight and all, but the all media hype is annoying.
ahh I have a feeling you are right
Conan and toy Story! Everything else though…
Agreed.
The awards and the show are definitely a joke, but I’d be lying if I didn’t say I am thrilled that FRINGE won something! lol (even if untelevised)
That was my only thought reading through the list of winners. I had gone to the voting page a few times to add a few votes for Fringe and other nominees that apparently the tweens didn’t like.
I’m thrilled too! Especially since the other nominees (I thought) would be especially popular among teens.
The People’s Choice Awards should just be canceled entirely. Having Eclipse win Favorite Movie and Favorite Drama Movie, and Grown-Ups winning Best Comedy Movie proves even further that most of today’s movie-going public doesnt’t have any good taste in cinema.
Nobody can really believe that the “winners” are actually voted on by the “people.” CBS broadcast the show, and the winners of best new comedy and drama are both CBS productions? Selena Gomez, who was willing to show up, won best breakthrough artist? PLEASE. There is no way in hell the “votes” are “counted” for anything.
Amen, elle.
out of the drama choices, H50 was the best, so that is not fixed…scott caan even has a GG nomination…and none of the new comedies were funny anyway so who cares
Except that Fox’s show “House” swept the dramatic categories: best actor, best actress, best doctor, and best show. CBS really didn’t get any love from “the people” in those categories at all.
Amen, Ellie. You are 100% on the money. Nobody is voting for these just as nobody is voting for MTV Movie Awartds and other sham awards. They decide winners based on who they think brings the most ratings. So expect 2 more years of Twilight Wins Everything terror because they deem that Twi demographics is the major one to tune in to these lame shows.
agreed.
This show is for people who are promoting films and other things obviously. How else do you explain Anniston just happening to be the presenter for her co-star in a movie coming out. This show must pay people as it seems you have to agree to show up to get an award. I felt kind of sorry for Depp. The other awards were all about tweens so the network could get an audience.
Your claim, how did you put it, “today’s movie-going public doesn’t have any good taste in cinema” isn’t accurate. Your conclusion assumes that everyone who went to a movie voted. When actually, the results reveal more about the voting demographic than it does about the movie-going public’s taste in movies.
Exactly. Thank you for pointing this out. So true.
You just said it.
This year’s show is the worst ever. It plays to the teens and kids now instead of all adults. Just the way things are picked even. Then they only show obscure stars on the red carpet and only televise half of the category wins instead giving us a zillion commercials not counting all the plugs for stuff during the show..I give up on this crap.
The people are dumb…..I am officially sick of the vampire movement (and have been for months =) I wasn’t surprised by the outcome–annoyed would be the better story.
These awards are from “the people” and nothing was given to Jim Parsons?????? I call BULL! He is beloved and any awards worth a damn would have been won by him. Further proof of why I don’t watch the “Producers’ Choice” awards anymore.
Amen. Jim Parsons all the way. This show was voted on by girls ages 10 to 14
Jim Parson is a much better actor than Neil Patrick Harris!!!!! Big Bang is also a lot better than “Glee
Hey now, NPH is fantastic and so is Jim Parsons. Dont’ hate on my boy NPH, thems fightin words.
I too was bummed by the fact that the Big Bang Theory and Jim Parson’s didn’t win anything.
Agreed!! TBBT should have won, Jim should have one and Kaley should have been nominated.
The tweeners, with the education they get today, don’t understand half the jokes on “Big Bang”. They have to have it spelled out for them for it to be funny. Too bad, Jim Parsons is the funniest I have seen in years.
That Ashton Kutcher couldn’t hide his apparent disdain for Twilight when he announced that as the favorite film, I get that many people don’t like it but still this was what fans voted for and when was the last time that he made a quality film.
i caught that, and totally agree with him. he’s been in nothing good since that 70′s show and those camera commercials are the worst, but i’d rather watch his crappy movies than that twilight excrement any day.
He just looked bored altogether.
Though, Twilight definitely did nothing to heighten his amusement.
Man, but he also looked damn good.
And I’ve never really cared all that much about his looks.
I thought Natalie Portman looked a little tired, though.
With all the oddly-placed chivalry tonight, I thought Ashton should’ve carried her out.
Pregnant or not, I’m sure she’s light as a swan feather.
Oh please. I’m happy he showed a little disdain. Who cares if he hasn’t been in anything good lately? But, I kind of like his Canon commercials, lol!
Lol, I’m not trying to be nitpicky, it’s just too funny – the commercials must not be working very well since they’re actually for Nikon. Lol, sorry, I just thought that was so funny. : )
Sure, Ashton has such a great body of work that he can be disdainful of Twilight. When was his last hit? And when was his last really good film? I can’t remember.
Ashton DOES have a great body of work- just not in films…
How the heck did Twilight win best movie? Why don’t any of you non-Twilight fans ever get together and vote so this doesn’t happen? You would think Twilight’s massive hatedom would be able to counter all those tween fangirls.
Because we have lives, unlike the twihards.
I agree. Didn’t even know the People’s Choice Awards was tonight. I tend to avoid crappy tv like that, especially if Twilight is mentioned.
Sadie, I just have 2 questions. Are you a non-Twilight fan? Did YOU vote? There’s your answer
Don’t worry, you’re in good company lol
did anyone notice that kristen stewart seemed like her and taylor lautner were a couple??? THAT looked really awkward!
Kristen is a girl so she cannot possibly be a real couple with Taylor. Rob, on the other hand…
I think that girl is just plain awkward. I am not to sure she can string a sentence if not written for her. Expressionless on and off the screen
Queen was so freakin’ over the top tonight! What the hell was wrong with her? She’s usually fun, but this was like someone on drugs. And yes, Twilight sweeping, and yet Zac Efron winning, Selena Gomez actually beating her bf Justin Bieber, etc. – this is not PEOPLE’S Choice anymore, it’s a repeat of the Kids’ Choice or Teen’s Choice Awards. Change the voting system so you can only vote once by phone, not infinitely online. And do away with the “New Show” awards because they’re always blatantly given to CBS crap.
The People are ?
Seriously who are these people ?
Aren’t we all , and that’s including celebrities , ” people “?
Scientifically, yes.
‘Cept Cher.
AHAHAHA!! Shannon wins!