‘The Simpsons’ Snags Its Fifth Trophy in Six Years

Despite competition from newer programs such as “King of the Hill” and cable’s “South Park,” “The Simpsons” was named best animated program for the fifth time in six years at Saturday’s nighttime Emmy Awards presentation--one of three trophies won by the long-running Fox series.

Saturday’s preliminary event principally recognized technical areas such as editing and cinematography, with awards in 28 higher-profile categories featuring actors and programs to be presented Sept. 13 and televised on NBC.

NBC’s lavish miniseries “Merlin” conjured up the most awards Saturday, including Emmys for visual effects, art direction, makeup and costume design. Home Box Office’s own big-budget extravaganza, the Tom Hanks-produced “From the Earth to the Moon,” also received a pair of technical Emmys, as did the popular series “ER,” “The X-Files” and “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.”

Guest actors remain among the few performers honored at the technical Emmy ceremony, with Mel Brooks winning a second consecutive statuette for his recurring role on NBC’s “Mad About You” and Emma Thompson earning an Emmy for portraying herself as a closeted star on ABC’s canceled sitcom “Ellen.”

The drama side featured two familiar faces most frequently associated with comedies. John Larroquette, who garnered four Emmys for “Night Court,” claimed another prize for his guest role on ABC’s “The Practice,” while Cloris Leachman now has a half-dozen Emmys to her credit, her latest coming for her appearance on CBS’ “Promised Land.”

NBC topped all networks by nabbing a dozen Emmys overall, with eight apiece going to ABC and HBO. ABC’s tally included a trio of awards for its presentation of this year’s Academy Awards telecast.

For the first time, the technical presentation will be distilled into a one-hour TV special and televised by cable channel TV Land two days before the main Emmy ceremony. The primary telecast will expand to four hours in order to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Emmys.

Programs televised between June 1, 1997, and May 31, 1998, were eligible for this year’s awards.