Batman sequel The Dark Knight clutched a handful of prizes to steal the show at the 35th annual People's Choice Awards in Los Angeles on Wednesday night.

The action film claimed Favorite Superhero, Favorite Movie, Favorite Onscreen Match-Up, Favorite Action Movie and Favorite Cast at the climax of the event.

Batman Christian Bale and co-star Aaron Eckhart and director Christopher Nolan were given a lengthy standing ovation as they took to the stage at the Shrine Auditorium, and then Bale remembered his Joker, Heath Ledger, in his brief acceptance speech.

He said, "Here's to Heath," as he raised one of the awards the cast and crew were presented with to the heavens.

The Dark Knight was the last film Ledger completed before his tragic death a year ago.

Meanwhile, Carrie Underwood was a triple threat at the prizegiving, claiming a trio of big prizes as America's awards season got serious.

The country star claimed the Favorite Country Singer, Favorite Country Song and Favorite Star Under 35 accolades, and also performed at the glitzy Shrine Auditorium prizegiving.