When did Watson and Crick receive the Nobel Prize and why were there only three recipients?

Watson and Crick received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1962 for their discovery of the structure of DNA. Maurice Wilkins was also awarded the prize for his contributions to the discovery, specifically his work on X-ray diffraction studies of DNA. The three recipients were awarded the prize together to recognize their joint efforts in the discovery, as only a maximum of three individuals can receive a Nobel Prize in any given category. Rosalind Franklin, who also made significant contributions to the discovery through her work on X-ray crystallography, passed away before the prize was awarded and was thus not eligible for consideration.