Homeland, Breaking Bad earn Critics' Choice Awards

Psychological thriller Homeland and Breaking Bad edged out the much-admired Mad Men to take the top Critics' Choice Television awards on Monday in Los Angeles.

Homeland, whichwon a Golden Globe earlier this year, was named best TV drama and its star Claire Danes took the award for best dramatic actress. Danes, who won a Golden Globe for the same role,plays a bipolar CIA agent on the trail of a homegrown terrorist.

Breaking Bad earned double acting honours. Bryan Cranston was named best actor in a drama as the chemistry teacher turned drug king, while Giancarlo Esposito won best supporting actor as the head of a New Mexico methamphetamine ring.

Mad Mens Christina Hendricks was recognized in the best supporting actress category for her role as Joan Holloway, but the critically acclaimed series was otherwise overlooked in the drama categories.

"Thank you so much to the critics who have stood by Mad Men now for fiveseasons. Thank you," said Hendricks. as she accepted her award.

Community took the award for best comedy, while Zooey Deschanel of New Girl and Amy Poehler of Parks and Recreation shared the award for best comedy actress.

"Oh my God, I've never won anything before, like literally, not since fifth grade student council, so I guess that is something. But I had to talk peopleinto voting for me," said Deschanel, accepting her prize.

Louis C.K. was voted best comedy actor for his FX show Louie.

Hit BBC series Sherlock, which aired on PBS in the U.S., took the award for best mini-series and its star Benedict Cumberbatch won best actor in a miniseries.

Other Critics' Choice TV Awards winners:

• Best reality series:Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations.
• Best reality competition: The Voice.
• Best talk show: Late Night With Jimmy Fallon.
• Best supporting actor in a comedy: Ty Burrell, Modern Family.
• Best supporting actress in a comedy: Julie Bowen, Modern Family.
• Best animated series: Archer.
• Best actress in a movie/miniseries: Julianne Moore, Game Change.

The awards, in their second year, are given by the Broadcast Television Journalists Association.