2008's top box office film with a $1 billion in global ticket sales, 'The Dark Knight', latest in the Batman film series led the way at the People's Choice Awards on Wednesday, with five wins including favorite movie and on-screen pairing i. e. stars Christian Bale and the late Heath Ledger, favorite action movie, superhero for Bale as Batman and cast.

Country singer Carrie Underwood, a former 'American Idol' contestant won big, with three People's Choice Awards i. e. favorite female singer, country song 'Last Name', and star under 35 years-old. Other top music winners, included Kid Rock for favorite rock song 'All Summer Long', Chris Brown best male singer, Rascal Flatts for favorite group, and Katy Perry for best pop tune 'I Kissed a Girl'.

In more than 40-categories covering film, television, music and even online entertainment, Adam Sandler was voted in as the funniest male star, Kate Hudson as top leading lady, while Reese Witherspoon made the favorite female movie star category.

Widely watched, this is the 35th edition of The People's Choice Awards, the starting point for the annual awards season, with the Oscars scheduled to take place in February. As compared to the Oscars, where black ties and ball gowns are mandatory, a relatively casual atmosphere prevails at The People's Choice Awards ceremony. Katherine Heigl accepting the trophy for best comedy movie (27 Dresses), noted the difference by wearing a pants suit, telling reporters 'it was after the holidays, so I didn't want to wear anything strapless or anything I had to suck in my stomach for'.

'The Secret Life of Bees' won for best film drama and favorite independent film, while animated 'Wall-E' got voted in as the No. 1 family film.

TV shows, 'House' 'Two and a Half Men' got the votes for favorite TV drama and best TV comedy, respectively. Other TV shows: 'The Mentalist' and 'Gary Unmarried' won top new TV drama and No. 1 new TV comedy, respectively.

Hugh Laurie of 'House' fame grabbed the trophy for favorite male TV star, while Christina Applegate, who underwent breast cancer surgery earlier this year, was the top female TV star for 'Samantha Who?'

'Dancing With the Stars' host Ellen DeGeneres was named best TV talk show host, the people's pick for No. 1 competition or reality TV show, while Brad Pitt got the nod for favorite leading man and Angelina Jolie for favorite female action star.

Queen Latifah, was the host of the CBS ceremony, returning to the Shrine Auditorium with a typical star-studded live show, following last year's pre-taped programme, due to the writers' strike.