Jan 8, 2009, 9:40 GMT
Christian Bale paid tribute to the late Heath Ledger after 'The Dark Knight' scooped five prizes at the People's Choice Awards.
The star - who plays the Caped Crusader in the Batman blockbuster - dedicated the accolades to his co-star, who portrayed the villainous Joker, during an acceptance speech at the event last night (07.01.09). EPA/ALBERT OLIVE
The star - who plays the Caped Crusader in the Batman blockbuster - dedicated the accolades to his co-star, who portrayed the villainous Joker, during an acceptance speech at the event last night (07.01.09).
He said: "On behalf of all of the cast from the movie, thank you very much to the fans. Here's to Heath."
The film - the highest grossing of 2008 - won awards for best movie, best action movie, favourite cast, best superhero and best on-screen match up for Christian and Heath.
Meanwhile, 'Four Christmases' star Reese Witherspoon - who won an Oscar in 2005 for her role as singer June Carter Cash in Johnny Cash biopic 'Walk the Line' - was delighted with her award for favourite female movie star.
She said at the Shrine Auditorium ceremony in Los Angeles: "It's such a great way to start the new year. A couple of years ago, I won a great award for singing in a movie. This year, I won an award for having a baby throw up on me."
The 35th annual awards - which was hosted by singer and actress Queen Latifah - also saw comedienne and TV personality Ellen DeGeneres honoured in the best talk show host category.
She said: "I wish I could share this with you. I could throw it on the ground and smash it into a million pieces and give each one of you a little piece of it.
"But that's violent, and that's probably why you voted for me, because I'm not violent."
Showbiz couple Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie each bagged a prize. 'Wanted' actress Angelina was voted favourite female action star, while Brad took the favourite leading man accolade.
Other winners include 'Bedtime Stories' star Adam Sandler, 'Bride Wars' actress Kate Hudson and funny man Robin Williams.
Music stars honoured included Katy Perry, who won best pop song for 'I Kissed a Girl', and Kid Rock whose hit 'All Summer Long' was voted best rock song by fans.
Many of the winners praised the awards on the night for being one of the few which relies on votes from the public.
The 35th annual People's Choice Awards winners list in full:
Movie: 'The Dark Knight'
Family movie: 'WALL-E'
Action movie: 'The Dark Knight'
Comedy movie: '27 Dresses'
Drama movie: 'The Secret Life of Bees'
Independent movie: 'The Secret Life of Bees'
Favourite cast: 'The Dark Knight'
Male movie star: Will Smith
Leading man: Brad Pitt
Male action star: Will Smith
Female movie star: Reese Witherspoon
Leading lady: Kate Hudson
Female action star: Angelina Jolie
On-screen matchup: Christian Bale and Heath Ledger - 'The Dark Knight'
Superhero: Christian Bale as Batman - 'The Dark Knight'
TV drama: 'House'
TV comedy: 'Two and a Half Men'
TV animated comedy: 'The Simpsons'
Sci-fi/fantasy show: 'Heroes'
Reality show: 'Dancing With the Stars'
Game show: 'Deal or No Deal'
Male TV star: 'Hugh Laurie'
Female TV star: 'Christina Applegate'
Talk show host: 'Ellen DeGeneres'
Scene-stealing guest star: Robin Williams - 'Law and Order: Special Victims Unit'
TV drama diva: Kyra Sedgwick as Brenda Johnson - 'The Closer'
New TV comedy: 'Gary Unmarried'
New TV drama: 'The Mentalist'
Male singer: Chris Brown
Female singer: Carrie Underwood
Group: Rascal Flatts
R'n'B song: Alicia Keys - 'No One'
Pop song: Katy Perry - 'I Kissed a Girl'
Rock song: Kid Rock - 'All Summer Long'
Country song: Carrie Underwood - 'Last Name'
Hip-hop song: Flo Rida featuring T-Pain - 'Low'
Combined forces: Jordin Sparks featuring Chris Brown - 'No Air'
Song from a soundtrack: 'Mamma Mia' from 'Mamma Mia!'
Funny male star: Adam Sandler
Funny female star: Tina Fey
Star under 35: Carrie Underwood
Online sensation: 'Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog'
User-generated video: 'Barack Roll'
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