The biggest films of the year, including Lord of the Rings and Spider-Man, will compete at the US People's Choice awards in January.

The two films, along with My Big Fat Greek Wedding, are all nominated in the favourite motion picture category.

Friends is nominated again

The People's Choice awards, to be held in California in January, are voted for by the public and are considered one of the most relaxed award ceremonies of the year.

Mel Gibson, Tom Hanks and Denzel Washington are competing for best actor, while in the actress category the nominations are Halle Berry, Sandra Bullock and Julia Roberts.

Music

Barbershop, My Big Fat Greek Wedding and Mr Deeds have all been nominated in the best comedy film category.

Eminem, country star Alan Jackson and rapper Nelly are nomainted for best male music performer.

In the equivalent female category Celine Dion, Faith Hill and Jennifer Lopez are competing.

Band nominees are rockers Creed, country outfit Dixie Chicks and boy band N'Sync.

Both Matt Le Blanc and Jennifer Aniston have been nominated in the TV categories as is Friends.

In the TV drama category the nominations are ER and Law & Order, challenged by US TV's most watched show, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation.