Sandler beat out Jim Carrey and Steve Carell for the honor, which was the first fan-voted award given out during the evening.

"I appreciate this," the "Bedtime Stories" star said, upon accepting his statuette. "I have honestly always made my movies for the people. If I made them for the critics, I would have hung myself 20 years ago, so thank you."

TV talk show host Ellen DeGeneres presented Sandler with the prize after explaining she was taking Kate Hudson's place because the actress was stuck in traffic.

Carrie Underwood won the award for favorite star under the age of 35 and "Dancing with the Stars" won the prize for favorite reality/competition program.

DeGeneres later won the award for favorite TV talk show host.

Singer and actress Queen Latifah presided over the People's Choice Awards ceremony.