What Is 24th People's Choice Awards

Overview

The 24th People's Choice Awards celebrated the most popular figures and works in film, television, music, and digital media for the year 2017. Held on January 13, 2018, the ceremony marked a shift in format with new categories reflecting evolving fan engagement through social media and streaming platforms.

Unlike industry-judged awards, the People's Choice Awards are determined entirely by public voting, making it a true reflection of mainstream popularity. The 2018 edition introduced fan-voted categories for social media stars and digital content creators, acknowledging the growing influence of online personalities.

• Fans voted online from November 2017 through early January 2018, with over 100 million votes cast across all categories.
• The ceremony aired live on E! from the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, marking the first time the network broadcast the show live.
• Joel McHale served as host, bringing his signature comedic style to the event in his debut as People's Choice emcee.
• Favorite Movie went to *Jumanji: Welcome to Jungle*, which also earned Dwayne Johnson the Favorite Movie Actor award.
• Millie Bobby Brown won Favorite Breakthrough Artist and Favorite Female TV Star, highlighting her rising fame from *Stranger Things*.

How It Works

The People's Choice Awards operate on a fan-driven voting model, distinguishing it from peer-judged ceremonies like the Emmys or Oscars. Nominations are determined by a combination of data analytics and editorial input, but winners are chosen solely by public ballot.

• Voting Period: The public voting window opened in late November 2017 and closed just days before the January 13 ceremony, allowing fans to influence outcomes in real time.
• Eligibility Window: Works released between September 1, 2016, and August 31, 2017, were considered for nomination across most entertainment categories.
• Category Expansion: The 24th edition added Favorite Social Media Star, reflecting the rise of influencers like Logan Paul and Liza Koshy.
• Genre-Specific Awards: Separate categories for Action, Comedy, and Drama were maintained in both TV and film to better represent audience preferences.
• Music Categories: Artists like Ed Sheeran and Taylor Swift dominated, with Sheeran winning Favorite Male Artist and Favorite Song for "Shape of You."
• Streaming Influence: Netflix originals such as *Stranger Things* and *Grace and Frankie* received multiple awards, signaling the platform's growing cultural footprint.

Comparison at a Glance

Award categories and winners from the 24th People's Choice Awards compared to prior years highlight shifts in public taste and media consumption.

The introduction of the Favorite Social Media Star category in 2018 marked a significant evolution in the awards' recognition of digital culture. This shift mirrored broader trends in entertainment, where online creators now rival traditional celebrities in influence and audience reach. The growing success of streaming-exclusive content also redefined what constitutes 'popular' television and film.

Why It Matters

The 24th People's Choice Awards underscored the democratization of fame in the digital age, where fan engagement directly shapes award outcomes. Its emphasis on accessibility and inclusivity sets it apart from more traditional, industry-centric ceremonies.

• Public voting empowers fans to directly influence results, increasing engagement and viewership loyalty.
• Streaming recognition validates platforms like Netflix and YouTube as major players in entertainment.
• Youth-oriented winners like Millie Bobby Brown reflect a cultural shift toward younger, diverse voices.
• Social media categories acknowledge influencers as legitimate cultural figures alongside actors and musicians.
• Live broadcast on E! boosted real-time interaction, with over 1.5 million viewers tuning in.
• Dwayne Johnson's double win highlighted his status as a cross-genre box office powerhouse.

The 24th edition not only celebrated 2017's most popular content but also signaled a broader transformation in how fame and success are measured in the modern era—through direct audience connection rather than critical acclaim alone.