Television critics applaud 'Homeland' and 'Breaking Bad'

Beverly Hills - There is a way to separate award shows and that is how they are described. For example, the best and favorite can be used. Then there is the Television Critics Association Awards.

They use achievement and that is not a bad way to go. Bryan Cranston of "Breaking Bad" hosted the event. They were handed out last night (July 28) at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, Beverly Hills. The question now would be, who won? "The past year in television offered a wide variety of standout programming. Viewers were treated to shows that were fearless, thought-provoking and original, spanning far beyond the traditional conventions,” said TCA president Candace Havens. “Whether it was the hard-hitting drama of ‘Homeland,’ the elegance of ‘Downton Abbey,’ the brash honesty of ‘Louie’ or any of our other winners —truly, there was something for everyone. The TCA is proud to honor these outstanding programs with the help of the talented and award-winning Bryan Cranston." Here are the winners - Individual Achievement in Drama: Claire Danes ("Homeland," Showtime) - Individual Achievement in Comedy: Louis C.K. ("Louie," FX) - Outstanding Achievement in News and Information: "60 Minutes" (CBS) - Outstanding Achievement in Reality Programming: "So You Think You Can Dance" (Fox) - Outstanding Achievement in Youth Programming: "Switched at Birth" (ABC Family) - Outstanding New Program: "Homeland" (Showtime) - Outstanding Achievement in Movies, Miniseries and Specials: "Masterpiece: Downton Abbey" (PBS) - Outstanding Achievement in Drama: "Breaking Bad" (AMC) - Outstanding Achievement in Comedy: "Louie" (FX) - Career Achievement Award: David Letterman - Heritage Award: "Cheers" - Program of the Year: "Game of Thrones" (HBO) Members of the TCA, a media organization of more than 200 professional TV critics and journalists from the United States and Canada, voted HBO’s celebrated “Game of Thrones” this season’s Program of the Year and honored Showtime’s freshman drama, “Homeland,” with the award for Outstanding New Program. The show also coincided with the annual summer press junket. Now, one more question, is there a month where there are no award shows? Next up, the Emmy Awards, on Sept. 23 at 8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT.