'House', 'Housewives' win Monte Carlo Awards

House and Desperate Housewives were among the shows to receive Golden Nymph gongs at this year's Monte Carlo Television Festival.

Both US shows received international TV audience awards, with the Hugh Laurie-fronted House taking home the best drama TV series gong and Desperate Housewives claiming the title for best comedy TV series. The award for best telenovelas - soap operas went to The Bold And The Beautiful.

Other winning shows included Mad Men, which saw Christina Hendricks and Jon Hamm scoop outstanding actress and actor respectively in the drama category.

"The 49th edition of the Festival has been a remarkable triumph," said David Tomatis, the event's chief executive officer. "The standard of submissions to the competition has again been extremely high and the judges’ task a difficult one.

"I congratulate all the winners on receipt of their Golden Nymph, one of the most sought-after recognitions in the television industry. My thanks to all our guests that have attended contributing to the success of the Festival."