Top Moments Unveiled from the 2024 People’s Choice Awards By Caitlin O’Kane
The 2024 People’s Choice Awards, hosted in Los Angeles on Sunday night, showcased a plethora of noteworthy and unexpected moments during the fan-driven awards ceremony. Greta Gerwig’s “Barbie” movie secured significant victories, along with Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce. Here’s a rundown of the standout moments from the event.
1. Simu Liu Takes the Stage with a Nod to “The Bear”
The “Avengers” actor kicked off the event with a prerecorded skit that honored the popular show “The Bear,” which included a chaotic scene that mirrored the fast-paced restaurant kitchen on the show.
Liu appeared to make fun of Jo Koy, whose Golden Globes hosting role drew criticism, in his opening address. “An Asian hosting a major awards show, what could go wrong?” Liu made a jest.
He also made fun of “Oppenheimer,” claiming that the reason it performed well at the box office was because it debuted on the same day as “Barbie,” in which Liu played a character named Ken. America Ferrera, his “Barbie” co-star, reacted horrified at the joke.
Taylor Swift was also honored by the host. “Who can forget that one little movie about a blonde American icon that had the entire country dressing up, dancing the night away, and making huge waves at the box office,” he stated. “I’m speaking of Taylor Swift and her ‘The Eras Tour.'” Oh, were you expecting me to say [Barbie]? Long before I became Ken, I was a Swiftie.
Although neither Swift nor her boyfriend, Chiefs star Travis Kelce, attended the presentation, Swift won Female Artist of the Year and Athlete of the Year.
2. Jeremy Renner’s Surprise Appearance
Jeremy Renner, who faced a life-threatening snow plow accident last year, surprised everyone by appearing at the awards ceremony. He presented the first award of the night, the TV performance of the year, to Billie Eilish for “Swarm.”
Expressing his gratitude, Renner, amidst a warm reception, declared, “It’s great to be back. This year has been quite a journey, and I’m thrilled to be here with all of you, the fans. You guys are amazing. You’ve truly made this year special. You’ve set records, transformed movies into movements, and we’ve heard you loud and clear.”
Renner had been in critical condition after a snow plow accident near Reno, Nevada, in January 2023, resulting in surgery for chest and orthopedic injuries. His first interview post-accident in April revealed that he had just started walking the day before. Remarkably, he walked onto the 2024 People’s Choice Awards stage on Sunday without any assistance
3. Adam Sandler Honored with People’s Choice Icon Award
Jennifer Aniston had the honor of presenting the 2024 People’s Choice Icon award to her close friend and frequent co-star, Adam Sandler, affectionately referring to him as a “brother from another mother.” Interestingly, Sandler had previously bestowed the same award upon Aniston in 2019.
In a lighthearted moment, Sandler playfully quipped that when he first learned about receiving the award, he misinterpreted it, thinking he was being honored with People Magazine’s “Sexiest Man Alive” title.
In good humor, he declared, “I’m Adam Sandler, and I am the sexiest man alive. Can I get a hell yeah?” It’s worth noting that the actual recipient of the “Sexiest Man Alive” title last year was “Grey’s Anatomy” star Patrick Dempsey
4. America Ferrera Triumphs for “Barbie” Role
The “Barbie” movie achieved significant success at the 2024 People’s Choice Awards, securing victories, including the prestigious award for America Ferrera as she clinched the title of Movie Performance of the Year. Despite Ferrera’s nomination for the Best Supporting Actress Oscar, it’s noteworthy that Margot Robbie, the actress for “Barbie,” and the director Greta Gerwig were not among the film’s eight Academy Award nominations.
At the 2024 People’s Choice Awards, “Barbie” emerged victorious, claiming both the Movie of the Year and Comedy Movie of the Year accolades. Ryan Gosling, who portrayed Ken, was honored as the male movie star of the year, while Robbie, in the role of the “typical” Barbie, secured the title of a female movie star of the year.
During her acceptance speech, Ferrera took a moment to express gratitude, acknowledging the “incomparable” Gerwig and Robbie. She reflected on the experience as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to contribute to a bold and inspiring masterpiece, allowing her to convey words of truth that resonated with many.
5. Lenny Kravitz’s Iconic Performance
Lenny Kravitz was honored with the Music Icon Award at the ceremony, where he treated the audience to a medley of his hits, featuring crowd favorites like “Fly Away” and “It Ain’t Over ’til It’s Over.”
In his acceptance speech, Kravitz touched upon the significance of his debut album, “Let Love Rule,” which propelled him into the spotlight in 1989. Reflecting on the power of love, he emphasized its strength and declared, “Love is the strongest power, and love will win. We are all one — one God, one people, one planet. Let love rule, y’all.”
The night also featured other notable musical performances, including Kylie Minogue captivating the audience with her rendition of “Padam Padam,” and Lainey Wilson showcasing her talent with a medley of her own songs.
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