LOS ANGELES: The 54th annual Emmy Awards, the US television industry's highest honours were held on 22 September 2002.

The West Wing won its third Emmy in a row as outstanding drama series, and Friends, ending a run of nine years that included four nominations, was named outstanding comedy series. Jennifer Anniston was the first of Friends' ensemble cast to win an outstanding performer award.

Friends' season 8 is currently being aired on Zee English .

The West Wing won four awards, more than any other show. It not only bagged the award for the best drama but also best supporting actor in drama and best supporting actress in drama by John Spencer and Stockard Channing , respectively. Allison Janney of the series was named the best actress in drama .

The popular serial Everybody loves Raymond' which is currently being aired on Star World bagged two awards. Ray Romano won the Emmy as outstanding comedy series actor, and his fictional brother Brad Garrett was honoured as supporting actor for his role as Robert.

The award for the best miniseries went to Band of Brothers which was aired on HBO recently. The popular talk show host , Oprah Winfrey was awarded the first Bob Hope Humanitarian Award by Tom Hanks.

The only award without an acceptance speech was the Annual Governors Award announced by former New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani for the four networks who organized America: A Tribute to Heroes immediately after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.