What Is 25th People's Choice Awards

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 25th People's Choice Awards took place on January 13, 2019, honoring popular figures in film, television, music, and social media based on fan voting. It was hosted by actress and singer Tracee Ellis Ross and aired live on E! from the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles.

Key Facts

The 25th People's Choice Awards occurred on January 13, 2019
Hosted by Tracee Ellis Ross at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles
Aired live on the E! network
Fan voting determined winners across 40 categories
The event celebrated 25 years of recognizing popular culture

Overview

The 25th People's Choice Awards marked a significant milestone in the history of the award show, celebrating a quarter-century of honoring fan-favorite celebrities and content across entertainment and pop culture. Held on January 13, 2019, the ceremony recognized achievements in film, television, music, and digital media based entirely on public voting.

This edition stood out for its modernized categories, reflecting the growing influence of social media and streaming platforms. The show emphasized inclusivity and diversity, with winners representing a broad spectrum of genres, identities, and platforms.

Fans voted online between November 12 and December 7, 2018, determining winners in over 40 categories through an open, public ballot system.
The Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles served as the venue, hosting A-list celebrities and nominees for the live broadcast on E!.
Tracee Ellis Ross served as host, bringing her signature humor and energy to the stage, marking her first time leading the ceremony.
Multiple awards went to breakthrough stars, including Dan Levy and Awkwafina, reflecting a shift toward recognizing fresh talent and diverse voices.
Categories expanded to include social media, with awards like Favorite Social Media Star and Favorite YouTube Star acknowledging digital influencers.

How It Works

The People's Choice Awards are unique in that winners are determined solely by fan votes, not by industry panels or critics. This democratic process allows the general public to shape the results, making the awards a true reflection of popular opinion.

Voting Window: The voting period ran from November 12 to December 7, 2018. Over 500 million votes were cast online, setting a record for the franchise.
Eligibility Period: Nominees were selected based on work released between September 1, 2017, and August 31, 2018. This ensured relevance and recency of content.
Category Structure: The 25th edition featured 40 award categories across film, TV, music, and digital media, up from previous years.
Selection Process: Nominees were chosen by a committee, but winners were decided exclusively by public vote through the official website.
Host Role: Tracee Ellis Ross not only hosted but also performed a musical number, blending comedy and performance to open the show.
Broadcast Reach: The ceremony aired live on E! and was available for streaming on E! Online and the network’s app, reaching millions of viewers globally.

Comparison at a Glance

How the 25th People's Choice Awards compared to previous editions in key areas:

Feature	25th Edition (2019)	20th Edition (2014)	15th Edition (2009)
Host	Tracee Ellis Ross	Queen Latifah	No host
Venue	Microsoft Theater, LA	Nokia Theatre, LA	Pauley Pavilion, UCLA
Number of Categories	40	30	25
Streaming Awards	Yes (Favorite Streaming Series)	No	No
Social Media Categories	3 (YouTube, Social Star, Influencer)	0	0

The table highlights the evolution of the People's Choice Awards over 10-year intervals. The 2019 edition introduced modern categories that acknowledged digital culture, reflecting how fan engagement has shifted from traditional media to online platforms. This adaptation ensured the awards remained relevant in a rapidly changing entertainment landscape.

Why It Matters

The 25th People's Choice Awards was more than a celebration of fame—it was a cultural barometer of public sentiment in the digital age. By expanding categories and embracing online influencers, the show validated new forms of stardom and audience engagement.

It validated digital creators by including awards for YouTube and social media stars, recognizing their cultural impact alongside traditional celebrities.
The fan-driven model empowered audiences to shape the entertainment industry’s narrative, increasing viewer investment in the outcomes.
Diversity was highlighted through wins by Awkwafina, Dan Levy, and Sandra Oh, showcasing broader representation in mainstream media.
Streaming services gained legitimacy as Netflix and Hulu shows won major TV categories, signaling a shift away from broadcast dominance.
The event boosted visibility for nominees, often leading to increased social media followers and streaming numbers post-ceremony.
It celebrated 25 years of fan-powered recognition, reinforcing the People's Choice brand as a unique and enduring institution in pop culture.

As media continues to evolve, the People's Choice Awards remain a vital platform for fans to celebrate the artists and content they love most, bridging the gap between audiences and the entertainment world.