The Simpsons wins 10th Emmy award

The Simpsons Movie was released last year

Animated comedy The Simpsons has won one of US TV's most prestigious prizes at the creative arts Emmy Awards for the 10th time.

The ceremony, which was held in Los Angeles, also honours achievements in categories like makeup, costumes, sound editing and art direction.

Historical mini-series John Adams, about the second US president, clinched eight awards.

The event serves as a prelude to next week's main ceremony.

Matt Damon song

The critically acclaimed new TV drama, Mad Men, triumphed in four award categories, including best cinematography for an hour long series.

The 1960s series is set in the world of New York's Madison Avenue advertising industry.

Comedian Sarah Silverman and four co-writers shared the prize for best original music and lyrics for a song about Matt Damon, that became an internet sensation.

The video clip of her performance, which aired on the Jimmy Kimmel Live! show, also won a picture-editing award.

Former Sex and the City star Cynthia Nixon was named best guest actress in Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.

TV veteran Tim Conway claimed an Emmy for playing an old-time star on 30 Rock, one of three awards that series won.

Kathryn Joosten won her second prize for her recurring role as Karen McCluskey on Desperate Housewives.