Downey Jr, Lawrence win big at People's Choice awards

Robert Downey Jr. and Jennifer Lawrence emerged the biggest movie star winners at the People's Choice awards Jan. 7, while on the small screen "The Big Bang Theory" won the coveted top TV show.   

"Iron Man" star Downey Jr. won both favorite movie actor and favorite dramatic movie actor, while "Hunger Games" actress Lawrence took acting prizes for both general and action films.
      
On the music front Ed Sheeran was named favorite male artist and Taylor Swift top female artist.         On the big screen, favorite movie went to Disney's "Maleficent" starring Angelina Jolie, while best action movie went to teen adventure "Divergent" whose co-stars Shailene Woodley and Theo James were named favorite movie duo.
      
The People's Choice glitter-fest, launching Hollywood's annual awards season, is based on voting by the public in contrast to ballots of industry insiders (Oscars, Grammys) or foreign journalists (Golden Globes).        

In the comedy categories Wednesday night, buddy film sequel "22 Jump Street" took best comedic movie while veteran Adam Sandler won favorite actor and "Bridesmaids" star Melissa McCarthy favorite actress.        

"I want to thank the fans that go out and buy movie tickets and allow me to do what I do. Thanks for the job," McCarthy said, adding "Without you I would not have a job and I'm going to stick around as long as you have me."       

On the small screen meanwhile CBS sitcom "The Big Bang Theory" won the top prize, beating shortlisted rivals including "Game of Thrones," "Once Upon a Time" and "The Walking Dead."        

The show also won favorite network comedy and best comedy actress for Kaley Cuoco-Sweeting, while best comedy actor went to "Glee" star Chris Colfer....