The People‘s Choice Awards allow you, the fans, to vote for your favorite movies, TV shows, music, and pop culture icons each year. Winners get to take home the coveted People‘s Choice Award – a shining gold trophy of a smiling host holding a clapperboard. This has become one of the most recognizable symbols of peer-voted acclaim.
In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll walk you through the unique history of the People‘s Choice Awards, the design process for the distinctive trophy, what the actual award looks like, interesting statistics and facts on past winners, and exactly how the voting process works. Read on to learn all about this fan-powered Hollywood honor!
Origins of the People‘s Choice Awards
The People‘s Choice Awards was created in 1975 by producer Bob Stivers as a way for everyday fans to honor their favorite entertainers – in contrast to traditional industry awards chosen by insiders only. The first award ceremony was held in 1976 at CBS Television City in Los Angeles. Winners that year included Lynda Carter, Cher, and Elton John.
In its first few years, the awards show was known as the People‘s Command Performance Awards. But the name was changed in 1981 to the now familiar People‘s Choice Awards. Over the next four decades, the show switched between CBS, ABC and NBC.
Finally, in 2017, the People‘s Choice Awards found a permanent home back on CBS with a 4 year agreement. Even after over 45 years, it remains a beloved way for the people to recognize their top picks across film, TV, music and pop culture.
Crafting a New Trophy Design
The first few People‘s Choice Awards ceremonies awarded small trophies with a flame design to the winning talents. But in 1984, the producers wanted to introduce a new trophy that was more distinctive and playful.
They hired the talented Spanish sculptor Manel Quintana, known for his artistic flair, to conceptualize a unique new statuette. Quintana came up with a brilliant design that embodied the fun, inclusive spirit of the People‘s Choice Awards.
The statue depicted a smiling television host raising a clapperboard high in one hand, while waving welcomingly to the audience with the other. This figure standing on a film reel base perfectly represented the intersection between movies and television.
Quintana‘s charming, engaging concept for the trophy was an instant hit. The same iconic design has been used every year since its 1984 debut and has become a globally recognizable symbol.
The Gleaming Golden Statuette
So what does this famous trophy actually look like? The People‘s Choice Award statuette is made of brass coated beautifully in 14 karat gold. It stands about 8.5 inches tall and weighs approximately 2.5 pounds.
The smiling host is depicted wearing a sharp tuxedo and standing on a wide, flared base shaped like a film reel. A small golden circle sits on top of the base, with the words "People‘s Choice" elegantly inscribed around its edges.
In his raised right hand, the host proudly holds up a classic clapperboard used to mark scenes during filming. His left hand is upraised in a cheerful wave, engaging the audience. The friendly, welcoming facial expression perfectly captures the spirit of the awards.
Each year, New York awards company Society Awards meticulously handcrafts each People‘s Choice Awards trophy to exactly match Quintana‘s original specifications. The shiny golden color and charismatic host design have made this one of the most iconic awards in global pop culture.
By the Numbers: Facts About Past Winners
Let‘s take a look at some fascinating facts and figures from past People‘s Choice Awards:
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Most Awards – Comedian Ellen DeGeneres has won the most People‘s Choice Awards overall, with a whopping 20 wins over her career. This includes 5 consecutive awards for Favorite Daytime TV Host.
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Most Awards for Movie Actress – Sandra Bullock has received a record-breaking 5 People‘s Choice Awards for Favorite Movie Actress, dominating the category in the 2000s.
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Most Awards for Movie Actor – Johnny Depp scored an impressive five straight wins for Favorite Movie Actor from 2007 to 2012, for roles in hits like Pirates of the Caribbean and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
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Longest Award History – Betty White won her first People‘s Choice Award in 1975 at the inaugural ceremony, and her last (posthumously) in 2015 – an unrivaled 40 years of winning fans‘ hearts.
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Most Awards for Comedy TV – The Big Bang Theory ruled this category for years, winning 10 People‘s Choice Awards including 5 straight wins for Favorite Network TV Comedy from 2012-2016.
| Year | Movie of the Year |
|---|---|
| 2022 | Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness |
| 2021 | Black Widow |
| 2020 | Bad Boys for Life |
| 2019 | Avengers: Endgame |
| 2018 | Black Panther |
As we can see from the data above, superhero and action flicks like Black Panther and Avengers: Endgame have dominated the Movie of the Year category in recent times. Meanwhile, comedy favorite The Daily Show with Trevor Noah has taken home 7 awards for Nighttime Talk Show of the Year.
The Voting Process Breakdown
So how does voting actually work for the People‘s Choice Awards? First, around September each year, the team behind the awards selects different categories spanning movies, TV shows, music, and pop culture.
These categories are carefully chosen based on a mix of fan feedback, performance metrics, box office stats, and other inputs. Then the nomination shortlists are revealed, showcasing between 5 to 10 nominees in each category.
Once the contenders are announced, the voting is opened up. Fans who are 13 years and older can vote online at the People‘s Choice Awards website, or via Twitter. Voters can submit their choices across all categories once per day.
Voting typically runs from October through mid-November. After millions of votes are tallied, the nominees with the highest vote shares are crowned as winners! It‘s a completely fan-driven process from nomination to winner selection.
Why the People‘s Choice Trophy Stands Out
Unlike more traditional Hollywood award shows decided through industry voting, the People‘s Choice Awards winners are determined by you – the fans! This makes the trophy one of the most meaningful symbols of fans‘ admiration.
Since its debut in 1975, the People‘s Choice Awards has provided a platform for everyday entertainment lovers to honor their favorites across music, movies, TV and pop culture.
The eye-catching gold statuette of a smiling host raising a clapperboard has become an iconic representation of peer-voted achievement. Over 175 million votes were cast for the 2022 awards – proof that fans are as enthusiastic as ever in recognizing their beloved stars!
So next time you watch a celebrity accept that shining People‘s Choice trophy, remember the long history and passion behind one of Hollywood‘s most democratic honors. The fans‘ voices still matter above all else, just like they did back in 1975!
