New York - Argentina and Jordan picked up their first ever International Emmy Awards Monday night as the UK once again dominated the awards show with seven prizes.

Argentina won in the TV Movie/Mini Series category for Television Por La Identidad about the children of mothers who disappeared during the military dictatorship and Jordan won in the Telenovela category for Al-Igtiyah (The Invasion) a Palestinian love story that takes place against the backdrop of an Israeli incursion.

The Netherlands won in the Non-Scripted Entertainment category with The Big Donor Show, a pretend reality show staged as though a terminally ill woman were to donate a kidney to one of three contestants.

The Best Performance by an Actor went to David Suchet for his portrayal of former media king Robert Maxwell in the biography series Maxwell. Best Performance by an Actress was won by British actress Lucy Cohu for her performance as Liz in the drama series Forgiven.

British programs also won in the Arts Programming, Children & Young People, Comedy, Documentary and Drama Series categories.

"We would like to extend our congratulations to this year's winners. They help us fulfill The International Academy's mission to recognize those who have made an impact in television on a global level," said Academy President & CEO Bruce Paisner, also president of Hearst Entertainment.

Law & Order creator and executive producer Dick Wolf, one of television's most prolific writers and producers, and architect of the Law & Order brand, was honoured with the International Emmy Founders Award for his creative achievements and international success.

The prizes were presented by the International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences - which counts as members broadcasters from nearly 70 countries and over 400 companies. (dpa)