Ellen DeGeneres found it "strange" to be named Favourite Humanitarian at the 2016 People's Choice Awards.

Ellen DeGeneres

Ellen DeGeneres

The 57-year-old television host was honoured for her philanthropic nature but doesn't understand why she should be praised for being "nice and generous" as she thinks it is what every person should do.

Accepting the award, she shared: "I started out as a comedian, and I wanted to make people laugh. I wanted to make people happy and feel good.

"It is strange to get an award for being nice and generous and kind which is what we're all supposed to do with one another. That's the point of being a human.

"Would I call myself the Mother Theresa of talk shows? The Dalai Llama of daytime? No. But I'm sure someone has."

Towards the end of her speech, 'The Ellen DeGeneres Show' host showed off her kindness as she told the gathered audience she wanted to make them happy.

Flashing a picture of a shirtless Chris Hemsworth onto the screen, she said: "Here's the thing. Awards are great, but what really makes me happy is making other people happy and tonight I want to make you happy so I brought a shirtless picture of Chris Hemsworth to share. You're welcome."

And Ellen has received a number of congratulatory messages from her fellow stars in the wake of the honour.

Close pal Justin Bieber wrote: "congrats to my friend @TheEllenShow on her @PeoplesChoice favorite humanitarian award tonight for @stjude ! #PCAs #giveback (sic)"

Whilst songstress Mariah Carey shared: ".@TheEllenShow congratulations to my dear friend on a well-deserved honor. @PeoplesChoice Favorite Humanitarian Award for @StJude! #cheers (sic)"

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