Everybody Really Does Love Raymond

By Stephen M. Silverman

Thursday December 05, 2002 11:00 AM EST

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Some two dozen entertainers, including Ray Romano and his "Everyone Loves Raymond" costar Patricia Heaton, made the cut in the 29th annual People's Choice Awards, whose nominations were announced Wednesday.

The selections for the prize are made by the public, which also votes on the winners. (The People's Choice Awards have nothing to do with PEOPLE magazine, in case you were wondering.) Tony Danza will host the ceremony, to be broadcast live on CBS Jan. 12.

For starters, the public sure likes to laugh, because not a single dramatic actor was nominated in the category of favorite TV performer. Besides Romano and Heaton, the nominees were "Friends" costars Matt LeBlanc and Jennifer Aniston, along with Debra Messing ("Will & Grace") and Bernie Mac ("The Bernie Mac Show").

Among the musical performer nominees: rap stars Eminem and Nelly, country favorites Alan Jackson and Faith Hill and pop divas Jennifer Lopez and Celine Dion. Group nominations went to the Dixie Chicks and 'N Sync.

In the movie division, nominees include two winners from last year, Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts, as well as this year's Oscar winners Denzel Washington and Halle Berry, along with Mel Gibson and Sandra Bullock.

The favorite film nominees are "Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring," "My Big Fat Greek Wedding," and "Spider-Man." For dramas, it's "Lord of the Rings," "Red Dragon" and "Signs." For the comedies: "Greek Wedding," "Barbershop" and "Mr. Deeds."