STRIKE RULES: 'PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARDS' CHANGES FORMAT (VAR, AP, ENV, THR)

By Nancy Vialatte

While "The People's Choice Awards" may not be the most respected of kudofests, the show has found a way around the current malaise plaguing upcoming awards telecasts: Rather than air live, the show will offer pre-recorded acceptance speeches by winners as well as their responses to questions sent in by fans.

The show will air on Jan. 8 with Queen Latifah as host, although she will shoot her segments from a soundstage. The new format does away with the red carpet and the backstage press room.

The change in formats came after the WGA would not give the show a waiver meaning it was unlikely many, if any, honorees would actually attend the show.

"For 34 years, the People's Choice Awards has been the show that lets the voice of the fans be heard," president Fred Nelson said. "With the reinvention of People's Choice, we're allowing entertainment enthusiasts to have even more influence on the show. In addition, the new approach will give fans a more personal glimpse into the lives of their favorite actors and musicians."

�The People's Choice Awards� have been broadcast annually since 1975, recognizing the most popular people and work in popular culture. Unlike other awards, which are voted upon by professional peers, the People's Choice Awards are dictated by the general public. Honorees in music, movies and television are selected based on results from polls, market research and online voting. Categories run toward the esoteric and include favorite tour, favorite all-around movie and favorite hair, explains The Envelope.

"We realize there are pressing issues facing the entertainment industry, including the WGA strike, and out of respect for everyone involved this provided an opportunity to pilot a new format this year," awards spokeswoman Jeannie Tharrington told The Associated Press.

The group is still negotiating its exit from the Shrine Auditorium and working on downsizing the production from a live awards show filled with celebs and VIPs in attendance to a smaller, pre-produced affair taped without an audience.

Last January "The People's Choice Awards" attracted 11.3 million viewers, its best showing in three years. Pre-taped acceptance speeches may also be an option pursued by other shows, such as the upcoming Golden Globes event, should thesps opt not to cross picket lines, notes Variety.

In addition to being host, Latifah is a nominee for the group's favorite leading lady. Other nominees in this year's telecast include Halle Berry, Matt Damon, Johnny Depp, Brad Pitt, Denzel Washington, Sandra Bullock, Whoopi Goldberg, Ellen DeGeneres, Robin Williams, Sally Field, Beyonce and Justin Timberlake. (THR)

Related Links

People's Choice Awards revamped (VAR)
People's Choice Awards being revamped (AP)
REPORT: People's Choice Awards scaled back (ENV)
People's Choice writes in change (THR)