Humanitas Bestows Awards for Excellence in TV Writing : Television: An ABC movie and two ABC series, ‘thirtysomething’ and ‘Wonder Years,’ top winners at annual event.

An ABC television movie about a custody battle over a mentally handicapped woman who wins the state lottery and episodes of two popular ABC series, the canceled “thirtysomething� and “The Wonder Years,� took cash awards Tuesday when the 17th annual Humanitas Prizes were bestowed for “humanizing achievement� in television writing.

The awards were presented during a luncheon at the Century Plaza. In all, $95,000 was handed out by the Pacific Palisades-based Human Family Educational and Cultural Institute, which recognizes TV writers who communicate values that enrich the viewing public. The annual endowment comes from a coalition of independent broadcast groups.

A special non-cash award went to filmmakers Geoffrey C. Ward, Ric Burns and Ken Burns for their acclaimed PBS series “The Civil War.� The Human Family Institute, whose judging board of directors includes several producers and directors, praised the program for its “extraordinary contribution to television� and the “stark and realistic treatment of the horror of war.�

In a new category this year for public television programs, writer Jon Robin Baitz received $25,000 for his “American Playhouse� drama “Three Hotels,� about a brash American businessman marketing baby formula in the Third World.

Other winners included:

* TV movie: $25,000 to John Axness and Jennifer Miller for the ABC movie “Lucky Day.�

* 60-minute series: $15,000 to Ann Lewis Hamilton for “Second Look,� an episode of ABC’s “thirtysomething.�

* 30-minute series: $10,000 to Bob Brush for “Goodbye,� an episode of ABC’s “Wonder Years.�

* Children’s live action series: $10,000 to Paul W. Cooper for “Abby, My Love,� a “CBS Schoolbreak Special.�

* Children’s animation series: $10,000 to Betty Birney for “Wish Upon a Fish,� an episode of NBC’s “Camp Candy.�

* Documentary: A non-cash award to Carol L. Fleisher for the syndicated “Over the Influence: Preventing Our Kids From Using Drugs and Alcohol.�