British stars including Damian Lewis and Dame Helen Mirren are in the race for top accolades at Sunday’s prestigious Emmy awards in the US.
Dame Helen is nominated in the lead actress in a mini series or movie category for her role as a leading lawyer in HBO drama Phil Spector.
Homeland star Lewis takes on fellow Brit Hugh Bonneville in the best lead actor in a drama category.
American Horror Story: Asylum has the most nominations with 17 nods.
Oscar winner Jessica Lange is in the running for her role in the horror tale.
Lewis and Bonneville face stiff competition in their category from Breaking Bad’s Bryan Cranston, Kevin Spacey for House of Cards, Mad Men’s Jon Hamm and Jeff Daniels for The Newsroom.
At a Bafta party ahead of the ceremony, Bonneville said he felt relaxed about his prospects.
“I don’t think the pressure is on me, frankly. I feel slightly embarrassed to have been nominated alongside these amazing actors and much as I love the others, I hope it is Bryan Cranston’s year because that show has been phenomenal and his performance has been extraordinary.
“He is a great actor, as are the others, but I think it’s Breaking Bad’s year.”
Mad Men star Elisabeth Moss, who missed out on the best actress award to Homeland actress Claire Danes in 2012, received two nods.
Her performance as Peggy Olson in Mad Men was shortlisted in the leading actress in a drama category alongside Michelle Dockery for Downton Abbey, Nashville’s Connie Britton, Kerry Washington in Scandal and Vera Farmiga in Bates Motel.
Moss was also recognised for her leading role in director Jane Campion’s recent acclaimed drama Top Of The Lake, which scored eight nominations including outstanding mini series or movie.
House of Cards became the first programme only available online to receive a nomination for best drama series.
Game of Thrones was recognised in 16 categories, while Liberace biopic Behind the Candelabra received 15 mentions.
Michael Douglas, who plays the flamboyant pianist, will go head-to-head with his on-screen partner Matt Damon to be named best lead actor in a mini series or movie.
It is the first major nomination for the HBO production which will not qualify for the US film awards season because it was made for television, although it was released in cinemas outside the US.
Sir Elton John will perform live at this year’s Emmy Awards for the first time in the ceremony’s 64-year history.
Most nominations
American Horror Story: Asylum – 17
Game of Thrones – 16
Behind the Candelabra and Saturday Night Live – 15
Breaking Bad and 30 Rock – 13
Downton Abbey, Mad Men and Modern Family – 12
Homeland and Phil Spector – 11
Boardwalk Empire – 10
