Sean Bean, Fernanda Montenegro take acting awards at International Emmys; J.J. Abrams honoured

Charles J. Gans, The Associated Press

NEW YORK, N.Y. - Britain's Sean Bean and Brazil's Fernanda Montenegro have taken the top acting honours at the International Emmy Awards honouring excellence in television programming outside the U.S.

The highlight of Monday night's awards ceremony came when Zachary Quinto, who plays Spock in the latest "Star Trek" film, presented the honorary International Emmy Founders Award to writer-director-producer J.J. Abrams.

Bean wins the best actor award for an episode of the crime anthology "Accused" in which he portrays a shy teacher with a secret alter-ego of a flamboyant transvestite. Montenegro has been chosen best actress for "Sweet Mother," in which she plays an 85-year-old woman who wishes to live independently.

Britain led with three awards, followed by Brazil and France with two apiece.