Wellington, Jan 9 : Movie fans from New Zealand have chosen ‘The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey,’ as their favourite movie of 2012.

The title was bestowed upon Sir Peter Jackson’s blockbuster by nearly 6000 Kiwis, who voted in the TelstraClear Flicks. co. nz People’s Choice Movie Awards.

Over 80,000 votes were cast in 17 categories throughout December, Stuff. co. nz reported.

Despite opening mid-way through the voting period, the movie proved close to film-goers’ hearts with Jackson scalping the award for Best Director.

Daniel Craig’s return to the big screen as 007 helped ‘Skyfall’ reach winner’s podium as 2012’s best action flick. Javier Bardem scalped the best actor for his performance as the movie’s villain.

Best actress honours went to Michelle Williams for her turn in ‘My Week with Marilyn,’ while Jennifer Lawrence won best hero as Katniss in ‘The Hunger Games.’

The Sarkies brothers’ black comedy ‘Two Little Boys,’ was voted Best New Zealand film.

‘Ted,’ took home the best comedy award; box office juggernaut ‘The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel,’ was the winner of the Best Drama; and ‘Looper,’ won best sci-fi/fantasy.

Nine-year-old American child actor Quvenzhane Wallis won breakthrough performance for her portrayal of Hushpuppy in ‘Beasts of the Southern Wild.’

Full list of winners:

Movie of the Year: The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey Best New Zealand Movie: Two Little Boys Best Action: Skyfall Best Comedy: Ted Best Drama: The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel Best Romance: The Five-Year Engagement Best Sci-Fi/Fantasy: Looper Best Thriller: Argo Best Animated: Brave Best Documentary: Searching for Sugar Man Best Foreign Language: The Intouchables Best Director: Sir Peter Jackson (The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey) Best Actress: Michelle Williams (My Week with Marilyn) Best Actor: Javier Bardem (Skyfall) Breakthrough Performance: Quvenzhane Wallis (Beasts of the Southern Wild) Hero of the Year: Jennifer Lawrence (The Hunger Games) Biggest Wanker: Tom Hiddleston (The Avengers) (ANI)