TV critics vote for 'West Wing'

"The West Wing" won three awards from the Television Critics Association

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) -- After singing the praises of "The West Wing" for most of the past year, TV journalists made it official Friday, lavishing NBC's White House drama with three Television Critics Association Awards, Variety reports.

In what could well be a preview of the prime-time Emmy nominations on Thursday, the show was named program of the year, new program of the year and outstanding drama.

Fox's critical smash "Malcolm in the Middle" was named outstanding comedy, while the show's leading lady, Jane Kaczmarek, was singled out for individual achievement in comedy. Kaczmarek and co-star Frankie Muniz were both on hand to pick up awards during a ceremony held at the Ritz-Carlton Huntington Hotel in Pasadena.

Game show host and former TV critic Ben Stein hosted the proceedings.

For the second year in a row, "Sopranos" star James Gandolfini nabbed the award for individual achievement in drama. HBO was also recognized for "The Corner," which captured the award for outstanding achievement in movies, miniseries and specials.

ABC News' millennium special, "ABC 2000," was honored for outstanding achievement in news and information, and PBS' "Between the Lions" took the nod for outstanding achievement in children's programming.

Veteran TV actor and comedian Dick Van Dyke received career achievement honors.

The 21-year-old TCA consists of more than 220 critics and writers who cover the TV industry.

Copyright 2000 Reuters. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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