People’s Choice Awards go on amid fires: ‘People need entertainment’

Beauty influencers, podcasters, TV personalities and only a few big stars walked the carpet at the smoky, tented Barker Hangar to salute fans’ favorites on E!’s live telecast. (More A-listers would pop up at the show later.)

“Tonight Show” host Jimmy Fallon, one of the more recognizable names seen before the award show, explained why he showed up for the event, which took place less than 40 miles from where the Woolsey Fire burned and a dozen people were killed in country-music bar shooting just days prior.

“People need entertainment and that’s our jobs,” Fallon told USA TODAY on the PCA red carpet. “And so we’re here to put on a show and entertain people. If I can just for one second get your mind off your problems and make you laugh a little bit, then I’m doing my job.”

He talked about how some of his friends living in Malibu have lost their homes because of the fires.

“It’s heartbreaking,” he said. “Thankfully, they’re safe and thank God for these firefighters.”

Winners list:  ‘Avengers: Infinity War’ wins big at the People’s Choice Awards 2018

Best-dressed:  Victoria Beckham, Mila Kunis kept it simple and stylish

Outrageous outfits:  The most eye-popping ensembles