Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson had a memorable evening Tuesday at the 2021 People’s Choice Awards at the the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California.
The 49-year-old superstar was presented with the People’s Champion award by Jeff Bezos, and dedicated the honors to the late Muhammad Ali and Shushana, a recipient for the Make-a-Wish foundation.
In introducing Johnson, Bezos, 57, said, ‘His achievements are legend. His work ethic is unparalleled. He transcends all demographics. He is impossible not to like and he can sure put down a lot of pancakes.
The latest: Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, 49, had a memorable evening Tuesday at the 2021 People’s Choice Awards at the the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California, as he was presented with the People’s Champion award by Jeff Bezos, 57
‘But even with all that, the thing that really stands out the most? He’s kind … you see, kindness is a choice. And what I admire most in Dwayne is his choice to show unwavering kindness to everyone around him.’
The wrestler-turned-actor, who was nicknamed the People’s Champion during his time in the WWE, paid tribute to Ali, who died at 74 in June of 2016.
‘For those who may know or for those who may not know, the original people’s champion was the greatest of all time, Muhammad Ali,’ the Red Notice star said. ‘I first met Muhammed when I was a little boy and he was so cool to me. He was so kind and he was so funny. He was always wonderful to me.’
He recalled how he got permission to use the moniker from Ali’s widow Lonnie Ali: ‘She said, “He told me to tell you you are the people’s champion, you have earned it, you take that title.”
Looking good: Johnson donned a silk orange top with maroon pants and matching shoes at the event
Smart: Bezos was clad in a grey pinstriped suit over a black top as a surprise presenter
The wrestler-turned-actor, who was nicknamed the People’s Champion during his time in the WWE, paid tribute to Ali, who died at 74 in June of 2016
Embrace: The titans of entertainment and industry enjoyed a hug at the show
Main man: Johnson dedicated the honors to the late Muhammad Ali; and Shushana, a recipient for the Make-a-Wish foundation
‘Years later to be standing here with you guys, you voted me the People’s Champion, the irony is not lost on me because I realize that what it means to be the People’s Champion is so much bigger than me. You treat people good, you treat people kind. You take care of people. You’re inclusive of people, all people, all colors, it doesn’t matter.’
Johnson said that he last saw Ali ‘at a Make-a-Wish event’ where they ‘were both granting wishes,’ and that ‘his last words to [him] were, “You keep rumbling.”’
Johnson then welcomed Shushana onto the stage, noting that her wish was to attend the award show, and presenting her with his trophy.
Nice gesture: He passed his trophy along to Shushana, a recipient for the Make-a-Wish foundation
Congratulations: He said of Shusana, ‘She is a fighter, she has inspired her family and friends’
Delighted: Shushana thanked Johnson in accepting the honors and said, ‘I didn’t expect this at all’
‘This is a total surprise,’ he said. ‘I met her earlier. I told her how proud I was of her story. She is a fighter, she has inspired her family and friends. I want to tell you just how much you’ve inspired me and everyone around you and certainly everyone here.
‘I want to give you this because you represent everything that it means to be a People’s Champion so this is for you.’
Johnson quoted Ali in saying, ‘The service to others is the rent you pay for the room you have here on earth.’
Shushana thanked Johnson in accepting the honors and said, ‘I didn’t expect this at all.
‘Thank you to Make-a-Wish in general. I just never expected that something this good could happen. This is crazy. I never thought that it could end up in this, survive something.’
Johnson wrapped up in saying, ‘It’s nice to be important, but it’s more important to be nice.’
Popular: The A-list film star entered to a huge ovation at the award show in Southern California
Photo opportunity: Johnson posed with Chase Stokes and Jonathan Daviss at the event
Pals: Johnson posed with Ellen DeGeneres at the Hollywood event on Tuesday
2021 People’s Choice Awards: WINNERS
People’s Champion Award
WINNER: Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson
Fashion Icon Award
WINNER: Kim Kardashian
Music Icon Award
WINNER: Christina Aguilera
People’s Icon of 2021
WINNER: Halle Berry
Kouture: Kim Kardashian was given the fashion icon award
MOVIES
THE MOVIE OF 2021
Black Widow – WINNER
Coming 2 America
F9: The Fast Saga
Dune
No Time To Die
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings
The Tomorrow War
Venom: Let There Be Carnage
THE COMEDY MOVIE OF 2021
Coming 2 America
Free Guy – WINNER
He’s All That
Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard
Jungle Cruise
Space Jam: A New Legacy
Thunder Force
Vacation Friends
THE ACTION MOVIE OF 2021
Black Widow
F9: The Fast Saga
Godzilla vs. Kong
No Time To Die
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings – WINNER
The Suicide Squad
The Tomorrow War
Venom: Let There Be Carnage
THE DRAMA MOVIE OF 2021
A Quiet Place Part II
Cruella – WINNER
Dune
Fatherhood
Halloween Kills
In The Heights
Old
Respect
THE FAMILY MOVIE OF 2021
Cinderella
Luca – WINNER
Raya and the Last Dragon
The Boss Baby: Family Business
The Mitchells vs. the Machines
Tom and Jerry
Vivo
Yes Day
THE MALE MOVIE STAR OF 2021
Chris Pratt, The Tomorrow War
Daniel Craig, No Time To Die
Dwayne Johnson, Jungle Cruise – WINNER
Eddie Murphy, Coming 2 America
John Cena, F9: The Fast Saga
Ryan Reynolds, Free Guy
Simu Liu, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings
Vin Diesel, F9: The Fast Saga
If you small… Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson beat out nemesis Vin Diesel to earn the male movie star award for Jungle Cruise
THE FEMALE MOVIE STAR OF 2021
Awkwafina, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings
Charlize Theron, F9: The Fast Saga
Florence Pugh, Black Widow
Jennifer Hudson, Respect
Leslie Jones, Coming 2 America
Margot Robbie, The Suicide Squad
Salma Hayek, Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard
Scarlett Johansson, Black Widow – WINNER
Golden: Scarlett Johansson won female movie star for Black Widow
THE DRAMA MOVIE STAR OF 2021
Anthony Ramos, In The Heights
Emily Blunt, A Quiet Place Part II
Emma Stone, Cruella
Jamie Lee Curtis, Halloween Kills
Jason Momoa, Dune
Jennifer Hudson, Respect
Kevin Hart, Fatherhood – WINNER
Timothée Chalamet, Dune
THE COMEDY MOVIE STAR OF 2021
Dwayne Johnson, Jungle Cruise – WINNER
Eddie Murphy, Coming 2 America
Emily Blunt, Jungle Cruise
Leslie Jones, Coming 2 America
Melissa McCarthy, Thunder Force
Octavia Spencer, Thunder Force
Ryan Reynolds, Free Guy
Salma Hayek, Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard
THE ACTION MOVIE STAR OF 2021
Charlize Theron, F9: The Fast Saga
Chris Pratt, The Tomorrow War
Daniel Craig, No Time To Die
Florence Pugh, Black Widow
John Cena, F9: The Fast Saga
Scarlett Johansson, Black Widow
Simu Liu, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings – WINNER
Vin Diesel, F9: The Fast Saga
TV
THE SHOW OF 2021
Cobra Kai
Grey’s Anatomy
Law & Order: Special Victims Unit
Loki – WINNER
Saturday Night Live
The Bachelor
This Is Us
WandaVision
THE DRAMA SHOW OF 2021
Outer Banks
9-1-1
Cobra Kai
Grey’s Anatomy – WINNER
Law & Order: Special Victims Unit
The Equalizer
The Walking Dead
This Is Us
THE COMEDY SHOW OF 2021
Brooklyn Nine-Nine
Grown-ish
Never Have I Ever – WINNER
Only Murders in the Building
Saturday Night Live
Ted Lasso
The Upshaws
Young Rock
THE REALITY SHOW OF 2021
90 Day Fiancé
Bachelor In Paradise
Below Deck
Jersey Shore: Family Vacation
Keeping Up with the Kardashians – WINNER
Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta
The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills
The Real Housewives of Atlanta
End of an era: Kim and Khloe Kardashian along with momager Kris Jenner accepted the reality show of 2021 award for Keeping Up With The Kardashian’s final season
THE COMPETITION SHOW OF 2021
America’s Got Talent
American Idol
Dancing With The Stars
RuPaul’s Drag Race
The Bachelor
The Bachelorette
The Masked Singer
The Voice – WINNER
THE MALE TV STAR OF 2021
Anthony Mackie, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier
Chase Stokes, Outer Banks
Dwayne Johnson, Young Rock
Jason Sudeikis, Ted Lasso
Kenan Thompson, Saturday Night Live
Norman Reedus, The Walking Dead
Sterling K. Brown, This Is Us
Tom Hiddleston, Loki – WINNER
THE FEMALE TV STAR OF 2021
Angela Bassett, 9-1-1
Elizabeth Olsen, WandaVision
Ellen Pompeo, Grey’s Anatomy – WINNER
Kathryn Hahn, WandaVision – WINNER
Mandy Moore, This Is Us
Mariska Hargitay, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit
Queen Latifah, The Equalizer
Yara Shahidi, Grown-ish
THE DRAMA TV STAR OF 2021
Norman Reedus, The Walking Dead
Angela Bassett, 9-1-1
Chase Stokes, Outer Banks – WINNER
Ellen Pompeo, Grey’s Anatomy
Mandy Moore, This Is Us
Mariska Hargitay, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit
Queen Latifah, The Equalizer
Sterling K. Brown, This Is Us
THE COMEDY TV STAR OF 2021
Andy Samberg, Brooklyn Nine-Nine
Dwayne Johnson, Young Rock
Jason Sudeikis, Ted Lasso
Kenan Thompson, Saturday Night Live
Selena Gomez, Only Murders in the Building – WINNER
Steve Martin, Only Murders in the Building
Wanda Sykes, The Upshaws
Yara Shahidi, Grown-ish
THE DAYTIME TALK SHOW OF 2021
Good Morning America
Live with Kelly and Ryan
Red Table Talk
The Ellen DeGeneres Show – WINNER
The Kelly Clarkson Show
The View
The Wendy Williams Show
TODAY
Moving on: Ellen DeGeneres earned daytime talk show of 2021
THE NIGHTTIME TALK SHOW OF 2021
Full Frontal with Samantha Bee
Jimmy Kimmel Live!
Last Week Tonight with John Oliver
Late Night With Seth Meyers
The Daily Show with Trevor Noah
The Late Late Show with James Corden
The Late Show with Stephen Colbert
The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon – WINNER
THE COMPETITION CONTESTANT OF 2021
Cody Rigsby, Dancing With the Stars
Gottmik, RuPaul’s Drag Race
JoJo (singer), The Masked Singer
JoJo Siwa, Dancing With the Stars – WINNER
Katie Thurston, The Bachelorette
Matt James, The Bachelor
Symone, RuPaul’s Drag Race
Wiz Khalifa, The Masked Singer
THE REALITY STAR OF 2021
Erica Mena, Love & Hip Hop Atlanta
Joe Amabile, Bachelor In Paradise
Kandi Burruss, The Real Housewives of Atlanta
Khloé Kardashian, Keeping Up With the Kardashians – WINNER
Kim Kardashian West, Keeping Up With the Kardashians
Lisa Rinna, The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills
Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino, Jersey Shore Family Vacation
Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi, Jersey Shore Family Vacation
Goals: Khloe Kardashian won reality star of 2021 though she was not presented the gong on the broadcast
THE BINGEWORTHY SHOW OF 2021
Cobra Kai
Loki
Mare of Easttown
Outer Banks
Sex/Life
Squid Game – WINNER
Ted Lasso
The White Lotus
THE SCI-FI/FANTASY SHOW OF 2021
Loki
Lucifer – WINNER
La Brea
Shadow and Bone
Superman and Lois
The Falcon and the Winter Soldier
The Flash
WandaVision
MUSIC
THE MALE ARTIST OF 2021
Bad Bunny
Drake
Ed Sheeran
Justin Bieber
Lil Nas X – WINNER
Luke Combs
Shawn Mendes
The Weeknd
THE FEMALE ARTIST OF 2021
Adele – WINNER
Billie Eilish
Cardi B
Doja Cat
Halsey
Megan Thee Stallion
Olivia Rodrigo
Saweetie
THE GROUP OF 2021
BTS – WINNER
Coldplay
Dan + Shay
Imagine Dragons
Jonas Brothers
Maroon 5
Migos
twenty one pilots
THE SONG OF 2021
“Butter,” BTS – WINNER
“Bad Habits,” Ed Sheeran
“Easy On Me,” Adele
“good 4 u,” Olivia Rodrigo
“MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name),” Lil Nas X
“Peaches,” Justin Bieber feat. Daniel Caesar & Giveon
“STAY,” The Kid LAROI & Justin Bieber
“Up,” Cardi B
THE ALBUM OF 2021
Certified Lover Boy, Drake
Culture III, Migos
Happier Than Ever, Billie Eilish
Justice, Justin Bieber
MONTERO, Lil Nas X
Planet Her, Doja Cat
Sour, Olivia Rodrigo – WINNER
star-crossed, Kacey Musgraves
THE COUNTRY ARTIST OF 2021
Blake Shelton – WINNER
Carrie Underwood
Dan + Shay
Kacey Musgraves
Kane Brown
Luke Bryan
Luke Combs
Miranda Lambert
THE LATIN ARTIST OF 2021
Anuel AA
Bad Bunny – WINNER
Becky G
Daddy Yankee
J Balvin
KAROL G
Maluma
Natti Natasha
THE NEW ARTIST OF 2021
24kGoldn
Bella Poarch
Giveon
Olivia Rodrigo – WINNER
Rauw Alejandro
Tate McRae
The Kid LAROI
TOMORROW X TOGETHER
THE MUSIC VIDEO OF 2021
“Butter,” BTS – WINNER
“Easy On Me,” Adele
“good 4 u,” Olivia Rodrigo
“LOCATION,” KAROL G, Anuel AA, J Balvin
“MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name),” Lil Nas X
“My Universe,” Coldplay X BTS
“Peaches,” Justin Bieber feat. Daniel Caesar & Giveon
“STAY,” The Kid LAROI & Justin Bieber
THE COLLABORATION OF 2021
“Best Friend,” Saweetie feat. Doja Cat
“INDUSTRY BABY,” Lil Nas X & Jack Harlow
“Kiss Me More,” Doja Cat feat. SZA
“Leave The Door Open,” Silk Sonic (Bruno Mars & Anderson .Paak)
“Peaches,” Justin Bieber feat. Daniel Caesar & Giveon
“STAY,” The Kid LAROI & Justin Bieber – WINNER
“Way 2 Sexy,” Drake feat. Future & Young Thug
“You Right,” Doja Cat & The Weeknd
POP CULTURE
THE SOCIAL STAR OF 2021
Addison Rae
Britney Spears – WINNER
Charli D’Amelio
Dwayne Johnson
Justin Bieber
Kim Kardashian West
Kylie Jenner
Lil Nas X
THE POP SPECIAL OF 2021
Billie Eilish: The World’s a Little Blurry
Demi Lovato: Dancing with the Devil
Friends: The Reunion – The One Where They Get Back Together – WINNER
Justin Bieber: Our World
Olympic Highlights with Kevin Hart & Snoop Dogg
Oprah with Meghan and Harry
P!nk: All I Know So Far
Savage x Fenty Show Vol. 3
THE COMEDY ACT OF 2021
Back To Abnormal Tour, Trevor Noah
Bo Burnham: Inside, Bo Burnham
From Scratch Tour, John Mulaney
Sorry, Harriet Tubman, Phoebe Robinson
The King’s Jester Tour, Hasan Minhaj
The Milk & Money Tour, Ali Wong
Vaccinated and Horny Tour, Chelsea Handler – WINNER
You Know What It Is, Marlon Wayans
Turned on: Chelsea Handler won comedy act of 2021 for her Vaccinated And Horny Tour
THE GAME CHANGER OF 2021
Alex Morgan
Bubba Wallace
Carl Nassib
Naomi Osaka
Patrick Mahomes
Serena Williams
Simone Biles – WINNER
Sunisa Lee – WINNER
THE POP PODCAST OF 2021
Anything Goes with Emma Chamberlain – WINNER
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Call Her Daddy
Chicks in the Office
Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend
Couple Things with Shawn and Andrew
SmartLess
Why Won’t You Date Me? with Nicole Byer
