Superheroes triumph at People's Choice awards

Singer Katharine McPhee arrives at the 2015 People's Choice Awards in Los Angeles, California January 7, 2015.[Photo/Agencies]

The People's Choice Awards are voted for by fans online in categories spanning film, television and music. The ceremony, aired live on the CBS network, kicks off Hollywood's annual awards season that culminates with the Academy Awards on Feb. 22.

Disney's "Maleficent" triumphed over "Captain America," "Guardians of the Galaxy," "22 Jump Street" and "X-Men: Days of Future Past" for favorite movie.

Melissa McCarthy won the People's Choice award for favorite comedic movie actress, while Adam Sandler won favorite comedic movie actor for the fifth consecutive year.

At 93, Betty White - best known for her role in the "Golden Girls" sitcom - was named favorite TV icon, accepting her award amid a standing ovation.

"When Melissa McCarthy came up on stage earlier tonight, she said she'd stay with us as long as you'd let her - you've abused that privilege with me," the actress quipped.

"The Big Bang Theory" was named favorite TV show, and Viola Davis won favorite actress in a new TV series for "How to Get Away With Murder," and thanked the show's creators for "thinking of a leading lady who looks like my classic beauty."

Australian rapper Iggy Azalea won favorite hip hop artist and also performed her hit "Beg For It."