PEOPLE'S CHOICE - MEL `GREEN MILE' COLLECTS TOP FILM AWARDS AT 27TH ANNUAL EVENT.

Byline: Evan Henerson Staff Writer

Perennial favorites Mel Gibson, the television show ``ER,'' and Garth Brooks were again among the big winners of the 27th annual People's Choice Awards handed out Sunday at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium.

Other winners included Jim Carrey, Faith Hill, Jennifer Aniston and the film ``The Green Mile'' - winner of both the Favorite Motion Picture and Favorite Dramatic Motion Picture.

The award winners were selected through a national poll conducted by the Gallup Organization. The show is the first in what has become an increasingly busy awards show season, including the American Music Awards, Golden Globes and Academy Awards.

Showing that ``the people'' are nothing if not consistent, ``ER'' won its eighth award, for favorite dramatic series, while singer Garth Brooks picked up his 11th, for favorite male musical performer.

In one instance, the people even chose a performer whose show the public seemingly hated, at least based on ratings: John Goodman, star of the canceled sitcom ``Normal, Ohio.''

``A week before we got the ax, I was walking with (co-star) Orson Bean,'' Goodman said. ``I said no matter what happens, it's been a hell of a ride.''

Michael Clarke Duncan, co-star of ``The Green Mile'' accepted the film's two awards with glee.

``Lookie here, lookie here!'' Duncan said. ``Castle Rock and Warner Bros. If you think you're getting these, uh-uh, baby. Maybe next time.''

Julia Roberts, winner of the Favorite Motion Picture Actress award, displayed humor worthy of Erin Brockovich, the salt-of-the-earth legal muckraker she portrayed.

``I loved making this movie so much, and it wasn't just because I had breasts for the first time in my life,'' Roberts said.

During the program, ``King of Queens'' star Kevin James didn't take himself or his hosting duties terribly seriously, opening the program by being dragged by his arm across the stage by ``Everybody Loves Raymond'' star Ray Romano.

``He's a little nervous, but you're a good audience for him. You're laughing,'' Romano said of James. ``Comedy is like sex: The more noise you hear, the better you think you're doing.''

Back stage was an occasion for the winners to toot their own horns, reveal hobbies (Bette Midler proclaimed herself an avid Napster user) and occasionally take a swipe at the competition.

``ER'' star Laura Innes said performers on ``The West Wing'' have to be ``a slave to the language. On `ER,' there's a lot more movement.''

Brooks, meanwhile, put to rest rumors of a retirement from music, saying he was still under contract for one more album. Then, he plans to do one more ``for the people.''

Perhaps in the spirit of the CBS show ``Survivor,'' winning Favorite Reality-Based Television Program, winners were constantly being asked what they would take to a deserted island.

``Cigarettes,'' quipped Favorite Motion Picture Actor winner Gibson. ``But I wouldn't take matches.''

``Survivor'' Executive Producer Mark Burnett was asked frequently about the fate of the second installment of the program, set in the Australian Outback.

``They suffered. They suffered a lot, which is good for me,'' Burnett said.

Staff Writer Michelle Mills contributed to this report.

CAPTION(S):

13 photos, box

Photo:

(1 -- 4 -- color) Mel Gibson, at top, who received two People's Choice Awards on Sunday, clowns around with presenter Sandra Bullock. At top right, Michael Clarke Duncan accepts awards for the ``Green Mile,'' which received two awards. Garth Brooks, above, celebrates his award with a performance at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium. David Schwimmer and the cast of ``Friends'' accept the award for Favorite Television Comedy Series.

(5 -- color) Jennifer Aniston accepts her award Sunday.

(6 -- color) The cast of the television show ``ER''celebrates its award for Best Dramatic Series.

(7 -- color) Ray Romano drags Kevin James across the stage during the awards ceremony in Pasadena.

Evan Yee/Staff Photographer

(8 -- 9 -- color) ``ER'' cast members Erik Palladino top, and Michael Michelle greet the crowd. Their show won the People's Choice Award for Television Dramatic Series.

Michael Caulfield/Associated Press

Bernardo Alps/Staff Photographer

(10 -- color) Bette Midler looks divine entering the festivities Sunday. She won Female Performer in a New Television Series for ``Bette.''

(11 -- color) Jessica Alba, star of the winner for New Television Dramatic Series, ``Dark Angel,'' pauses on her way in to the show.

Bernardo Alps/Staff Photographer

(12 -- color) Jennifer Aniston give a friendly wave in Pasadena before picking up her trophy as top Female Television Performer.

(13 -- color) Members of the pop group 'N Sync gather outside the Pasadena Civic Auditorium before the People's Choice Awards. The guys picked up the award for Musical Group or Band.

Michael Caulfield/Associated Press

Box: THE WINNERS