The West Wing won a record-setting nine Emmys Sunday night. The first season drama, which is set in a fictional U.S. White House, beat out The Sopranos, which earned 18 nominations but took home an Emmy in only one category.

Critically acclaimed and a ratings favourite on HBO in the US the past two years, The Sopranos swept last year's Emmy nominations as well, but got shortchanged with only two major awards. This year's lone winner was James Gandolfini, for outstanding lead actor in a drama series.

The West Wing won for best drama, and creator Aaron Sorkin won an Emmy for his writing. Sorkin payed tribute to The Sopranos: "Well, it's been said plenty of times before, it's worth saying again, The Sopranos is one of the achievements in the history of television. Congratulations to you guys. I'm so sorry."

Other winners from The West Wing:

- Director Thomas Schlamme.

- Best supporting actor Richard Schiff, who plays aide Toby Ziegler.

- Best supporting actress Allison Janney, who plays the tough press secretary, C.J.

- The show won four other technical awards.

Canadian Michael J. Fox won best actor for his comedy, Spin City. Fox retired from the show after announcing he has Parkinson's Disease.

Television critics offered rave reviews for this year's Emmy telecast, hosted by comedian Garry Shandling.

"He's done for the Emmys what Billy Crystal has done for the Oscars," wrote Ken Tucker in Entertainment Weekly.