By Open Book
There’s a lot of skepticism toward an award shows voting process. Especially, voting by the general public. The People’s Choice Awards has changed their voting process three times since the first show aired in 1975. So we thought we look into their voting process, it’s authenticity and effectiveness in exhibiting the realities of public opinion.
Most people don’t take The People’s Choice Awards (PCA’s) seriously because the voting results reflect what will get the best ratings for the best spectacle. However, compared to The Golden Globes and The Oscar’s voting process, (PCA’s) has less chance of running interference from voters with conflicting interest.
22 journalists in the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA) determine the Golden Globes nominees and winners. We all remember the scandal last year of the HFPA taking bribes in exchange for nominations. The lack of supervision over voting has turned these awards into a free for all for the HFPA and for those willing to pay for their nominations. The Golden Globes airs this Sunday, January 15, 2012.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences (AMPAS) members select the Oscar’s or Academy Award nominees and winners. Actors vote for actors, Directors vote for directors etc… PricewaterhouseCoopers manually tabulate the votes sent in by voters.[1] The Oscars has used this method for the last 73 ceremonies.
Here’s some information on how it all works in an article The Oscars Guide. [2]
“During November, the voting members of the AMPAS are coaxed by different publicists; movie studio’s and film distributors to view their film offerings. Great emphasis is laid on being unbiased and fair. Price Waterhouse Coopers plays an important part in the voting process by providing a professional service of guaranteeing the security of the ballots, to tabulate the votes. This is done in January after the voting members have made their nominations and submitted it to the offices of Price Waterhouse Cooper, where they are sorted and the results are announced back to the voting members in February.”
Regardless of how much assurance the AMPAS place on PWC’s fairness in hand counting. This method leaves a lot of room for human error or better yet room for tampering.
The People Choice Awards voting process by comparison is fairer than the other respected award shows. PCA’s has updated their voting process as technology improved since 1975. Gallup polls were used from 1975 to 2005. In 2005 it changed to Internet voting after realizing the margins for error in Gallup polls. In 2006 they used a web research company called.
“Knowledge Networks, which took what it described as a “pop culture-involved using a nationally representative sample of men and women ages 18 to 54, with and without Internet access, to come up with the nominees after being presented with a list of candidates determined by national ratings averages, box office grosses and album sales, and they had the option to write in their favorites.”[3]
In 2010 they went with a media research company Visible Measures, which specialize in measuring Internet Video audiences behavior. They state,
“The patented Visible Measures platform reveals both how online viewers interact with video content and how that content spreads across 300+ video sites, from AOL Video, to YouTube, to virtually everywhere in between.”[4]
Of course all award shows can be scrutinized negatively over the fairness of their voting process. However, at the end of the day you determine if it’s worth your time and money. Ask yourself when watching these shows. Are the winning actors, directors and films worthy of the award?
The People Choice Awards airs tonight January 11, 2012 at 9/8pm central.
Please join us for a discussion Thursday 1/12/2012@7pE/12UTC.
comicreleaf
comicrelief2
Comic Relief
parisienne
littlebells
Lurker
ozzie20
Open Book
LIH
linkedinhollywood.com 
Thank you OB! Very informative. I will watch this one. It’s the MTV awards I want to shoot myself in the foot.
WAtching the live stream!
I loooove Neil Patrick Harris!!!! aaaahhhh!!!!! I wish he was hosting.
Hi I’m here!!
Hi OB!
So I got on about a few minutes before NPH. Did I miss anyone fantastic?
Note: I would never want to be a movie star. Just watching this is overwhelming. I would lose my marbles and fear for my family.
Do u like the Interviewers for the PCA’s red carpet?
No, I think they are pretty lame. What would you ask if you were an interviewer?
Ok I know why I don’t like them. Some of the interviews are ok, but it’s the fake smiles and over the top “excitement”. I realize the actors and interviewers are “on” but it’s a bit cheesy for me.
Soooooo agree.
I think interviewers don’t do enough HW on these actors to ask interesting Q’s. IMO! So u get extra cheese instead.
What do you think will win for “Favorite Movie”?
Bridesmaids
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2
The Help
Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides
Transformers: Dark of the Moon
Well I hope Bridesmaids will win.
How about u? Who do u want to win?
I friggin love Kristen Wiig and she had a fantastic ensemble so I really hope it wins too!!!!
http://www.peopleschoice.com/pca/awards/live-video/
I really hope Betty White and Rob Pattinson are sitting together. I saw that pic of the audience seating list and I think it would be so hilarious! Especially if they are using it for a “bit”.
FAvorite Movie Icon????
George Clooney
Harrison Ford
Morgan Freeman
Robert DeNiro
Tom Hanks
I’m going to go with Rob Deniro.
Hi OB and LB!
Have I missed anything good?
haha nope! Just a bunch of unexciting people being interviewed. 🙂
I just posted who I want to win. I have to go hang with my little dude, so I will be back tomorrow at the discussion with my plethora of notes!
Ah ok! Is the red carpet show over?
I don’t know when you will be able to view it. It is live east coast time right now. I will get it in another two hours. It should be on youtube by then. I LOVE THAT BETTY WHITE AND ROB ARE SITTING TOGETHER!!!!!!
K here is my list for tonight:
favorite movie icon–Morgan Freeman
favorite comedic actress–Emma Stone
favorite book adaptation–The Help/WFE
favorite tv competition–So You Think You Can Dance
I don’t care much about the rest…I’m a horrible fan.
See you tomorrow at the discussion!!!! 🙂
Hi all! Just came by to say hi
Wish I could watch with u._
Hi Ozzie & Paris. I’m watching the show live on Gossip Cop. Yeah! I know. Anyway, we can compare notes later.
BLASPHEMY!!!!! Get thee hence satan!!!!
hahahahahaha!!!! 🙂
Yes! I know Im horrible. Its Hot down here in hell.
Lovin the buzz cut RP. Finally u shaved it all off. However going balled would have been better. Ahh! Well.
Sooo…I just lost a few hours off my life that could have just been 10 minutes. That show was B-O-R-I-N-G. Snooze. I realize it’s not the Oscars, but the cheesy dialogue the presenters have to say is getting a bit much. Honestly, just tell me who won so I can move on with my life. Uh-oh. Baby Bells has spoken.
LOL!! Yes, boring with lots of cheese.
Hi Everyone-
I have a few Q’s. U can answer in whatever order u like.
———————————————————————
1. Did u think the winners of the PCA’s this year were fair?
2. What did u think of the voting process for the PCA’s this year? Was it better than previous years?
3. Did u think the nominees selected this year were better than last year? If so why?
4. Who’s acceptance speech did u like the best and why?
5. What presenter did u like the best?
6. Who did u dislike the most on the show?
7. What did u think of the host this year?
1. yes, because Twilight was not involved. Thank goodness.
2. I have never paid attention before. Was it better????
3. Yes, again because Twilight was not involved.
4. see below.
5. Honestly, I don’t remember any of them. No wait, I love Ginnifer Goodwin and I thought her dress was great. Oh and I did love Alyson Hannigan and Jason Biggs. Biggs????
6. Cocky actors who think they are the shizznatch.
7. As I said, I think she did a good job. I wish she didn’t have to use a hand held mic though.
4. Who’s acceptance speech did u like best and why?
Morgan Freeman (called it!) because it was short, humble, and honest. That’s what makes great speeches. Ones from the heart that don’t drag on forever and give lists of names of people most of America doesn’t know or care about. I’m not saying these people shouldn’t be thanked, but…..do it at another time, in private, at a party.
I think my major complaint with award shows these days is the velveeta and lack of genuine conversation. Comedy has it’s place and definitely makes for great award shows, but if you are not a comedic person, don’t do jokes. Smile and cut to the chase.
LOL! Great response LB..
Sorry guys, I couldn’t watch tv last night. So i missed the PCA’s.
I glanced on line this morning but didn’t see the list of the winners yet.
Hi Lurker!
You didn’t really miss anything. At all.
I hope that’s not an indicator of the GG’s on sunday night. YIKES
I don’t think so. I love Ricky and whether he is offensive or not, he always delivers. Plus these awards are much more important and prestigious than the PCAs.
If Gervais does not try and kiss up to people. Than yes! It will be fantastic.
I didn’t watch it last night either.
I think Haley did a good job. She was confident and had some cute moments. But she’s not a “show person”. I think NPH does a great job being a host. I think he has overall showmanship and comedic skills.
Hi Everyone!
Hi! 🙂
HI!
Paris and Lurker,
How do you feel about award shows?
How do you think they could be more entertaining?
Well, they run too long – and they always run over.
Additionally its tough to commit that much time to being stuck in front of the tv to get to the end. Like the GG and Oscars ‘best picture’.
Last year the red carpet interviewers were lame. We all watched several different networks and they were all just cheesy like you guys said from last night. Guess they didn’t improve much.
In previous years, the Oscars hosts were the ones that made the show. Hugh Jackman, Billy Crystal, were all great. Even the Tony’s were great with Neil Patrick Harris.
So let’s say they need good writers and good comedians to keep it going.
Yes! Any great writers that you would like to write for the show?
I don’t know any – however, I’ve always wondered something. Usually comedians like Billy Crystal doesn’t he have his own writers when he’s on a comedy tour? I know most of them don’t write all their own material.
If so, aren’t those guys the ones that should be writing for their host? They know the nuances of their own talent.
I think that’s the big issue. Dry humor doesn’t work if the presenters can’t pull it off.
So here’s a thought.
Instead of having the presenters try to do some fancy line they can’t manage, have the host do the comedy and the presenters just read….
good idea.
I concur. I hate cringing and I always do.
ITA Lurker. These award shows is a collaboration between the producers and host. I don’t know if u remember but Eddie Murphy pulled out of hosting this years Oscars because the producer was fired.
When LIH gets invited to interview on the Red Carpet, we are going to have the best interviews EVER!!!!! 🙂
LB- I will have u do the interviewing…….
and there will be no velveeta!!!!
LOL!! Love it…
I detest award shows. I think the recipients should be mailed their awards and all the bs would just go away.
Hahaaha!
i’d rather stay at home in my jammies. 🙂 i think everyone should show up in their PJ’s just once.
Gee, there’s a whole set of designers that would get some exposure!
A whole set of other things would get exposure not designers.
Paris-
As u well know……Some people don’t wear PJ’s or heck underwear in HW. Soooooo the jammies themed show would turn into something else for the desperate, attention ***** types.
U would have Fredrick’s of Hollywood galore!!
Um…there are some people I don’t EVER want to see naked. E. VER. HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!
Paris- Ultimately ITA Award shows always brings out the cheese & bs. I think shows that have television and film being awarded are the worst. Why? Film is considered higher caliber than television and u have some television actors trying to overcompensate with huge egos to prove their relevance. This is where the extra bs is loaded on and gets magnified on television. I saw a few on the red carpet with egos the size of California it made them look silly and unprofessional. That’s when u say. Oh! That’s why u will only be invited to the PCA’s
Like LB said humility goes a long way…..
Hmm, let’s see how many of these I can answer!
1) Pulling the foreigner card! Didn’t watch it the whole way through and the part I did watch, I didn’t know who they were.
2) I can’t remember if I’ve voted in previous years! I can’t even remember if I voted for this years! I think I did…..
3) See one and two, lol! I think I have a rough idea of how it works.
4) Morgan Freeman. Short, sweet and too the point!
5 & 7) I came in half way through the show so I have no idea who had what roles. I missed Neil Patrick Harris but he’s always good so I would of liked his part. I liked Kaley Cuoco but then I love The Big Bang Theory so I’m biased, lol!
6) The woman in the green dress who did that annoying comercial make up sketch! Seriously, what was that? I never knew such a thing existed!
Talk about MASSIVE PRODUCT PLACEMENT for CVS. Gee whiz? Are you hurting that bad, CVS? That was just too much.
Again with CVS?
So what awards show did we watch last year with Queen Latifah as the host? There was a huge push from CVS for that too.
CVS? Pulling the foreigner card again, lol!
Its a big chain drug store like Walgreens and Rite Aid.
You may remember seeing Walgreens in Florida….
Thank you Lurker! 🙂 I know of Walgreens and Rite aid and a fews others but not CVS. I don’t think I saw any of those this year but I did see a Hooters and an Olive Garden from the car once, which I was quite excited to see, lol!
I was thinking the entire time this CVS infomercial should be in B&W and they should be wearing crinoline skirts with aprons the whole June Cleaver get up. It was an insult to women.
OH MY GOSH!!! Absolutely! That’s exactly what it was like! I was waiting for Don Draper to call, “Cut!”
hahahahahahahaha!!!!! Darn you foreigners! 😉
LOL! I hope there is a long period of time before I have to pull the ignorant foreigner card again. *blushes*
I saw Hooters from the car once also. But that’s an unrelated story; that I’m sure no one wants to hear.
*snort*
CR- Wow! U left yourself wide open with the Hooters comment….lol
U are testing me…….I will behave!!
I wish I could pull the foreigners card after watching that crap. I was thinking Wow! Did we just go back to the 50’s?
Ozzie,
Does how I met your mother play in England?
Sorry…. I meant “How I met your mother.”
I love that show! Love. it!!!!
ladies i am going to go for the evening. i’ll ttyl!
Bye Paris, sorry I missed you again.
Ozzie,
Brave move. I’m going to try to answer OB’s questions later. Up until now I was trying to catch up.
Hi CR! Did you watch last night?
LB,
Sorry no I didn’t. It’s sad I missed yesterday’s review.
Here’s my stab at OB’s questions. Sorry since I did not see the show my answers get pretty thin at about half way.
1. Did u think the winners of the PCA’s this year were fair?
SORRY, LIKE SOME OF THE REST OF YOU, I DID SEE LAST NIGHT’S TELECAST. I DID SEE PICTURES AFTER THOUGH. OTHER THAN A FEW HAIR DO’S, DON’TS, AND CHANGES I EXPECTED IT TO BE A PREDICATABLE NIGHT. I GUESS I MISSED THE MEMO ABOUT LIH’s SITE REVIEW.
2. What did u think of the voting process for the PCA’s this year? Was it better than previous years?
REFERRING TO THE ARTICLE, I’M SURPRISED THAT “KNOWLEDGE NETWORKS” & “VISIBLE MEASURE’’S VOTING IS EVEN TAKEN SERIOUSLY. DID YOU KNOW THE US POSTAL SERVICE WILL NOT ACCEPT SURVEY DATA FROM ESTABLISHED SURVEY WEB SITES REGARDING THEIR STAMP DEVELOPMENT SERVICES.
3. Did u think the nominees selected this year were better than last year? If so why?
I’M SURE ANY REVIEW IS GOOD FOR HOLLYWOOD CAREERS, BUT I’M NOT SURE A CONTEST THAT MANY CONSIDER A “COUGH” “COUGH,” POPULARITY CONTEST. “COUGH” “COUGH,” IS ALL THAT SUBSTANTIAL FOR ANYONE’S PORTFOLIO. I COULD BE WRONG OF COURSE.
4. Who’s acceptance speech did u like the best and why?
SORRY DID NOT SEE IT.
5. What presenter did u like the best?
SORRY DID NOT SEE IT.
6. Who did u dislike the most on the show?
SORRY DID NOT SEE IT.
7. What did u think of the host this year?
SORRY DID NOT SEE IT.
CR-
Regarding # 2: Can u elaborate on why those two companies should not be taken seriously?
It’s really really cold here. I need to find some warm blankets, so see everyone at the Golden Globes.
Goodnight everyone!
Hi Everyone-
Sorry I missed the discussion. Let me read and comment looks like u had a good discussion.
I watched the entire Red Carpet & PCA’s event. Multitasking was key in keeping my sanity. I’m not sure why some people get so dressed up for these awards? They are like the MTV Awards IMO! U pull out the formal wear for the GG and Oscars. It adds to the look of desperation when u go all formal for these awards.
The Show: It was contrived and I agree with all of LB’s review. Yes! Morgan Freeman had the best speech. I did like Adam Sandlers acceptance speech it was hilarious. I loved the cast of Bridesmaids acceptance speech as well. I think if u are not a comedian or getting a lifetime achievement award keep it short and simple and by all means practice humility.
I would love to see Jimmy Fallon host an award show…..I’m starting a campaign.
1) Jimmy Fallon for the ever loving win!
2) Maya Rudolph. Nuff said.
3) I naturally assumed in my cynical brain that Sandler was poking fun at someone who recently bashed all of her teachers for failing her. Mwhahahahahahahah!!!!!
4) Thank goodness for Tivo.
GGs, please, please PLEASE for all that is good in this world, do NOT disappoint. Please make up for the two plus hours I lost last night and will never regain. Please have at least one interviewer who will at least ask one intelligent question and leave the queso at home with me and my tortilla chips. Oh and make sure the humble pie is hot and ready to serve. That is all. Thank you. 🙂