Australia's The Amazing Race has won international fame with a top gong at the 40th International Emmy Awards in New York.

The Amazing Race, which was produced by Seven Productions, Active TV and ABC Studios, defeated shows from Singapore, Spain and Brazil for the Best Non-Scripted Entertainment Program award at the ceremony, which was held at New York’s Hilton Hotel last night.

The award was accepted by Active TV president Michael McKay and the show’s host, New Zealand actor Grant Bowler.

However, the critically acclaimed Australian drama The Slap was pipped by the French series Braquo for Best Drama Series.

Braquo, which stars Jean-Hugues Anglade, is said to be similar to the US hit series The Shield.

Australian producer Justin Davis, who was nominated for Best Comedy Series, with his 20th anniversary series of Absolutely Fabulous, lost out to Brazil.

TV Globo productions’ The Invisible Woman, about a publicist married to his boss whose relationship is threatened by the appearance in his life of his imaginary ideal woman, took the prize.

Several Aussie stars were at the awards including The Slap’s producer Tony Ayres and its star Melissa George.

Rachael Taylor, whose US series 666 Park Avenue was recently cancelled by US network ABC, presented the Best Television Movie or Miniseries Category.