Think of it what you may, but Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith last night won the People's Choice Award for best film when the great and the good gathered in LA to celebrate all that is wonderful in mainstream entertainment.

According to the Beeb, George Lucas mounted the podium to declare: "I'm not a big favourite with the critics, but who listens to them. The reason I make films is for you. The audience rules." Which is, we suppose, the closest we'll ever get to an admission that the film is, in fact - and in common with parts I and II - complete hogwash.*

Nonetheless, the people have spoken. Nominees for the awards were selected by a "6,000-strong Entertainment Weekly magazine panel" and then voted for by 21 million online voters. Reese Witherspoon, honoured as favourite leading lady for her role as June Carter in Walk the Line, echoed Lucas's sentiments when she said: "You guys voted for us. Not the stuffy people in closed rooms... people who voted actually go to the movies."

Bless. Other awards included Ellen DeGeneres (favourite daytime talk show host), Jennifer Garner (female action star) and Sandra Bullock (favourite female movie star). The full list of people's faves is available on the website. ®

Bootnote

*And no, this is not Star Wars bashing. If you want to see a proper film, try The Empire Strikes Back.