DeGeneres made her name with the sitcom Ellen

She won the prize for outstanding talk show at the 31st annual ceremony, held on Friday at Radio City Music Hall.

DeGeneres, previously known for her self-titled sitcom, had nominations in 12 categories including talk show host.

She was beaten to the host's award by Wayne Brady. CBS series The Young and the Restless was named best soap opera, honoured for a sixth time in 31 years.

DeGeneres, who won a 1997 prime-time Emmy for outstanding writing for her series Ellen, said; "I should have been in daytime a long time ago.

"We have fun every day. It's the best job I've ever had."

Outstanding

Style guru Martha Stewart, who is due to be sentenced for lying about a stock sale, was also in the audience as her show Martha Stewart Living claimed a technical award.

Michelle Stafford won outstanding lead actress for The Young and the Restless; while best lead actor went to Anthony Geary for General Hospital.

Bob Barker, 80, was named outstanding host of a game show for the 13th time for The Price is Right - also named best game show.

Children's show Sesame Street was saluted in a musical tribute marking its 35th anniversary on the air.