US mob series The Sopranos ruled the Emmys last night (16/09), taking the award for best drama after ending its six season run in June.

The entire cast of the drama took to the stage when collecting honours for best writing and directing - and was greeted by a standing ovation.

However Tony Soprano star James Gandolfini was beaten to the best actor in a drama series award by Boston Legal’s James Spader.

Collecting the award, Spader quipped: “I feel like I just stole a pile of money from the mob, and they’re all sitting right over there.”

Edie Falco also lost out to Sally Field in the best actress in a drama award, for Field’s role in Brothers and Sisters. Falco has won three Emmys for her role as Tony’s wife Carmela in The Sopranos.

America Ferrera was named best actress in a comedy for her role in Ugly Betty, beating the likes of Desperate Housewives.

Meanwhile Ricky Gervais and Helen Mirren represented Britain at the LA ceremony.

Gervais took the award for best comedy actor in Extras, while Mirren received best actress in a mini-series or movie for Prime Suspect: The Final Act.