Star Power and Fan Votes Take Center Stage at 2022 Ceremony
The 48th People’s Choice Awards lit up the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California, on December 6, 2022, as celebrities from across film, television, music, and pop culture gathered for one of the only awards shows decided entirely by fans. With Kenan Thompson returning as host, the evening was a high-energy celebration of the year’s biggest hits and cultural icons, offering both heartfelt moments and humorous highlights.
This year’s ceremony stood out not only for its star-studded lineup and electrifying performances, but also for reflecting the evolving landscape of entertainment—where fan engagement continues to play a central role in defining success.
Film: Marvel Dominates with Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness
In the film category, Marvel Studios reasserted its box office dominance as Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness walked away with three awards, including the prestigious Movie of 2022. The film also won Action Movie of 2022 and Male Movie Star of 2022 for Chris Hemsworth, whose portrayal of Thor in Thor: Love and Thunder further highlighted Marvel’s grip on the fan base.
Nominees in the film division included box office and streaming favorites such as Top Gun: Maverick, The Batman, and Bullet Train, but it was the multiverse-driven spectacle of Doctor Strange that captured fan imaginations the most.
Television: Stranger Things Captures the Year’s Top TV Honors
On the small screen, Netflix’s hit series Stranger Things secured three major wins, including The Show of 2022, reaffirming its global fan appeal after a critically acclaimed and widely viewed fourth season. The series also took home Drama Show of 2022 and Male TV Star of 2022 for Noah Schnapp, who delivered a standout performance in the show’s emotional arcs.
Other popular shows like Grey’s Anatomy, The Kardashians, and Only Murders in the Building were also recognized, reflecting the blend of traditional network hits and streaming juggernauts that continue to shape modern viewing habits.
Music: Taylor Swift Sweeps Top Honors
In music, Taylor Swift emerged as the most-awarded artist of the evening. She won:
- Female Artist of 2022
- Album of 2022 for Midnights
- Music Video of 2022 for Anti-Hero
Swift’s dominance at the awards followed the explosive release of Midnights, which broke multiple streaming records and solidified her as a defining voice in pop. The night’s musical accolades also included wins for BTS (Group of 2022), Harry Styles (Male Artist of 2022), and Lizzo (Song of 2022 for About Damn Time).
Special Honors: Icons and Champions Recognized
The evening featured three honorary awards, celebrating not just artistic achievement, but also cultural impact and humanitarian efforts:
- Ryan Reynolds received the People’s Icon Award, honoring his versatility as an actor, producer, and entrepreneur. His acceptance speech balanced humor and humility, paying tribute to his family and fans.
- Lizzo was awarded the People’s Champion Award, recognizing her advocacy for body positivity, LGBTQ+ rights, and inclusive representation. In a powerful moment, she shared the stage with a group of female activists to spotlight their causes.
- Shania Twain accepted the Music Icon Award, delivering a nostalgic and vibrant performance that spanned her career hits. She delighted the audience with a humorous twist on her classic lyric, replacing Brad Pitt’s name with Ryan Reynolds, earning laughs and applause from the crowd and Reynolds himself.
A Night of Celebration and Connection
The 48th People’s Choice Awards reinforced the evolving role of fans in shaping pop culture. From Marvel movies and streaming megahits to chart-topping albums and viral videos, the night celebrated the full spectrum of entertainment that brought people together in 2022. With every win decided by public vote, the event remained a unique reflection of what resonated most deeply with audiences around the world.
Source:
Wikipedia – 48th People’s Choice Awards
Entertainment Weekly – People’s Choice Awards 2022 Highlights
