Los Angeles - The Batman film The Dark Knight won top honours at the US award programme the People's Choice Awards, winning awards in all five categories in which it was nominated.

The film - which starred Christian Bale as the superhero Batman and the late Heath Ledger - won favourite film as well as favourite action film, cast, superhero and on-screen match up (of Bale and Ledger).

Heath Ledger died a year ago at the age of 28 from a overdose of prescription medications.

Other award winners were actor Will Smith for favourite male movie star, Reese Witherspoon for favourite female movie star, and Adam Sandler as Favourite Funny Star.

The People's Choice Awards mark the beginning of the US entertainment industry's awards season which culminates in the Oscar Awards ceremony in late February.