Robert Downey Jr, Jennifer Lawrence win big at People’s Choice awards

Robert Downey Jr accepts the award for favorite movie actor during the 2015 People’s Choice Awards in Los Angeles, California on January 7, 2015. Mario Anzuoni/ Reuters

Robert Downey Jr and Jennifer Lawrence emerged the biggest movie star winners at the People's Choice awards Wednesday, 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 the 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, the 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, the 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.

Favorite network drama went to Grey's Anatomy, which all but swept the board winning favorite dramatic actor for Patrick Dempsey and actress for Ellen Pompeo.

Music fans meanwhile chose Sheeran as top male artist over a shortlist including Pharrell Williams, John Legend, country star Blake Shelton and Britain’s young soul sensation Sam Smith.

Taylor Swift beat Beyonce, Iggy Azalea, Katy Perry and Sia to be named favorite female artist, while favorite group went to Maroon 5, and breakout artist to 5 Seconds of Summer.

And so awards season gets into full swing.

The Golden Globes, which also recognize both music and television, are due to be held this Sunday, January 11, while Oscar nominations will be announced next Thursday, January 15.

The Grammys are due on February 8, while the Academy Awards will be held this year on February 22.