EMMY AWARDS - TRIO OF PRIZES FOR MAD MEN IN US CRITICS' AWARDS SHOW

Mad Men has won three prizes at the US Television Critics Association (TCA) awards.

The 1960s-set drama - which screened on BBC4 in the UK - was named programme of the year for its unflinching portrayal of the sexism and corruption among Madison Avenue advertisers.

It also took the outstanding new programme prize and the outstanding drama award.

Mad Men's success follows its amazing 16 nominations for the TV Emmy awards, including a groundbreaking nomination for best drama.

Along with legal series Damages, Mad Men is one of the first programmes shown on US basic cable to be nominated for the award.

Other winners at the TCAs included NBC comedy 30 Rock - which won best comedy and best individual comedy performance for its start Tina Fey - while historical drama John Adams took two prizes.

The HBO miniseries - which earned 23 nominations for the TV Emmys - took home the best film, mini-series or special award, while leading man Paul Giamatti claimed the outstanding actor in a drama trophy.

The Wire won the Heritage award while Saturday Night Live producer Lorne Michaels took a career achievement prize.

The 2008 TCA award recipients are as follows:Programme of the year
Mad Men

Outstanding new programme
Mad Men

Outstanding achievement in comedy
30 Rock

Outstanding achievement in drama
Mad Men

Outstanding achievement in news and information
The War: A Film by Ken Burns & Lynn Novick

Individual achievement in children's programming
WordGirl

Outstanding achievement in comedy in movies, mini-series and specials
John Adams

Individual achievement in comedy
Tina Fey, 30 Rock

Individual achievement in drama
Paul Giamatti, John Adams

Heritage award
The Wire

Career achievement
Lorne Michaels