Julia Roberts has been praised for Erin Brockovich

Meanwhile, Tom Hanks' drama The Green Mile walked away with the awards for best motion and best dramatic motion picture.

The People's Choice Awards in Pasadena, California, are chosen by a random nationwide Gallup poll, reflecting the views of more than 200 million Americans.

Fans are given no suggestions or nominees and can vote for any person or programme in categories taking in film, TV and music.

The polling covered a period from 1 November 1999 to 31 October 2000.

This means Gibson was chosen mainly for his role in The Patriot rather than the current hit comedy What Women Want. It also explains why last year's Oscar-nominated The Green Mile also figured highly.

Jim Carrey in the controversial comedy Me, Myself & Irene

Elsewhere, Jim Carrey, star of Me, Myself & Irene, also came out on top with the award for the best motion picture star in a comedy.

Carrey's award has been given without taking into account his current success in The Grinch.

In the music categories, country stars Garth Brooks and Faith Hill were honoured as the best male and female musical performers.

The best musical group or band, however, went to the pop group 'N Sync.

As for the nation's top TV, the craze for reality shows proved a winner as Survivor won best reality-based TV programme.

Big screen star Bette Midler won the People's Choice award for best female performer in a new TV series for CBS's Bette.

Bette Midler proves a hit in her move to TV

Former Roseanne actor John Goodman also won for his performance in a new TV series. However, his show Normal, Ohio has already has been cancelled by Fox.

While perennial favourites NBC's hospital series ER and comedy show Friends again won best TV drama and best TV comedy series.

The complete list of winners:

Motion Picture: The Green Mile

Dramatic Motion Picture: The Green Mile

Comedy Motion Picture: Meet the Parents

Motion Picture Star in a Comedy: Jim Carrey

Motion Picture Star in a Drama: Mel Gibson

Motion Picture Actor: Mel Gibson

Motion Picture Actress: Julia Roberts

Male Television Performer: Drew Carey

Female Television Performer: Jennifer Aniston

Male Performer in a New Television Series: John Goodman, Normal, Ohio

Female Performer in a New Television Series: Bette Midler - Bette

Television Comedy Series: Friends

Television Dramatic Series: ER

Male Musical Performer: Garth Brooks

Female Musical Performer: Faith Hill

Musical Group or Band: 'N Sync

New Television Comedy Series: Ed

New Television Dramatic Series: Dark Angel

Reality-Based Television Programme: Survivor