Canadian Tatiana Maslany wins Critics' Choice Award

Canadian actress Tatiana Maslany stepped into the international spotlight at the Critics' Choice TV Awards in Los Angeles on Monday, as she was named best actress in a drama series.

Regina-born Maslany won best actress honours for Orphan Black, the BBC America thriller in which she plays several different roles as cloned women, including the lead. She won amid a strong field that included Claire Danes (Homeland), Vera Farmiga (Bates Motel) and Elisabeth Moss (Mad Men).

"Thank you so much to the critics," Maslany said in her emotional acceptance speech. 

"Our weird little show would be nothing without you guys talking about it."

Maslany, who has appeared in CBC shows such as Being Erica, Heartland and Cracked, was a 2012 TIFF Rising Star. The program taps talent set for international careers. She also appeared in the film Picture Day, which screened at last year's Toronto International Film Festival. Earlier in 2012, she won a special jury prize at the Sundance Film Festival for her breakout performance in Grown Up Movie Star.

Her performance in Orphan Black has also brought her to the attention of the Television Critics Association, which nominated Maslany for individual achievement in drama for the TCA awards to be presented later this summer.

Big Bang Theory takes trio of trophies

Popular sitcom The Big Bang Theory was the big winner of the evening, taking home three awards, including best comedy. There were were also kudos for Game of Thrones and Breaking Bad.

Big Bang counted two performance awards among its haul: best supporting actor for Simon Helberg and best supporting actress for Kaley Cuoco.  

There was a tie for best drama, with Game of Thrones and Breaking Bad sharing the win.

Breaking Bad’s Bryan Cranston was named best actor in a drama for his role as teacher-turned-drug dealer Walter White, which has earned him multiple Emmy Awards.

Michael Douglas was recognized for his star turn as Liberace in Behind the Candelabra, taking the Critics' Choice honour for best actor in a miniseries or TV movie. Behind the Candelabra was also named best TV movie.

Moss, who missed out for her role in Mad Men, won best actress in a miniseries for Top of the Lake.

Other winners included:

• Best actor in a comedy: Louis C.K., Louie.
• Best actress in a comedy: Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Veep.
• Best supporting actor in a drama: Michael Cudlitz, Southland.
• Best supporting actress in a drama: Monica Potter, Parenthood.
• Best animated series: Archer.