Hanks, Roberts Win at People's Choice Awards

ByABC News
January 14, 2002, 10:52 AM

Jan. 14 -- The people have spoken and they like the warmth and charm of familiar faces.

Tom Hanks, Julia Roberts, ER and Friends were some of the big winners at the People's Choice Awards on Sunday night.

Roberts took home the favorite motion picture actress award her eighth win in the category. Hanks won favorite motion picture actor and favorite dramatic motion picture actor, beating out last year's dual winner, Mel Gibson.

"Peace, love, and understanding. Thank you, everybody," Hanks said in his acceptance speech. "I'm a luck man I have a great job and I get to do it often enough to get me out of the house on school nights."

A Toned-Down Celebration

'N Sync, Faith Hill and Garth Brooks were named favorite musicians.

The awards are decided through a public opinion poll conducted by Gallup. Favorite TV shows included ER, Friends, My Wife and Kids and Survivor: The Australian Outback.

The 28th annual People's Choice Awards took its cue from the Emmys. In apparent reaction to the Sept. 11 attacks, it was a subdued affair. Dressy business attire took the place of formal wear as performers from movies, television, and music came together to allow the public to honor them.

This year, people were allowed to vote online in two categories favorite new television comedy series and favorite new drama.

King of Queens star Kevin James hosted the affair and provided comic relief. One of his funnier bits came when he donned a swan dress, à la Bjork at last year's Oscars, although he maintained he had the outfit first. A video clip was shown featuring him shopping, golfing and hanging out in the swan ensemble.

ABCNEWS Radio's Dave Alpert in Los Angeles contributed to this report.