Nominees for the 63rd annual Primetime Emmy Awards were announced today in Hollywood.
AMC’s hit series “Mad Men” and HBO’s Prohibition-era drama “Boardwalk Empire” lead all nominees with 19 and 18 bids, respectively. Reigning top comedy “Modern Family” landed 17 nominations; the veteran sketch-comedy series “Saturday Night Live” received 16.
“Mad Men,” which has taken home the Outstanding Drama Series award for the past three years, will compete against “Boardwalk Empire,” “Game of Thrones,” “Dexter,” “The Good Wife,” and “Friday Night Lights.” Notably omitted from the top series contention: HBO’s controversial hit “True Blood,” and AMC’s dark mystery, “The Killing.”
Contenders for the Outstanding Comedy Series Emmy include two first-time nominees, “Parks and Recreation” and “The Big Bang Theory,” along with “The Office,” “30 Rock,” “Glee,” and last year’s winner, “Modern Family.” Although “Glee” landed a second nomination for top comedy, the Fox series, which had an astounding 19 nominations last year, seems to have suffered a sophomore slump, receiving only 6 bids.
Jon Hamm landed his fourth Outstanding Lead Actor bid for his role in “Mad Men.” Hamm will compete against perennial nominees Hugh Laurie (“House”) and Michael C. Hall (“Dexter”) for the title. “Boardwalk Empire” star Steve Buscemi, who took home the 2011 Golden Globe for best actor, is also a strong contender.
Eight-time Emmy nominee Kathy Bates was put forward for this year’s Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama award, for her role in NBC’s new series “Harry’s Law.” Bates will compete with Elisabeth Moss (“Mad Men”) and Julianna Margulies (“The Good Wife”). In a surprising snub, last year’s winner, Kyra Sedgwick of “The Closer,” did not receive a nomination. (Timberlake is asked to Marine Corps ball)
Alec Baldwin of “30 Rock” and departing “The Office” star Steve Carell each landed a sixth consecutive nomination as best comedy actor. The veteran comedic actors will compete against nominee newbies Louie CK (“Louie”) and Matt LeBlanc (“Episodes”).
The race for best comedy actress is extraordinarily tight, with the Emmy-familiar Tina Fey (“30 Rock”), Jane Lynch (“Glee”) and Edie Falco (“Nurse Jackie”) competing against first-time nominees Amy Poehler (“Parks and Recreation”) and Melissa McCarthy (“Mike and Molly”).
Reigning reality show champ “Top Chef” will go up against “The Amazing Race,” “American Idol,” “Dancing with the Stars,” “Project Runway” and “So You Think You Can Dance” in the reality TV category.
In the Outstanding Variety, Comedy, or Musical Series category, shows starring late-night personalities Stephen Colbert, Jon Stewart, Jimmy Fallon, Bill Maher, and Conan O’Brien will compete with the legendary “Saturday Night Live” for the Emmy.
Tune in to Fox on September 18 to see who takes home the coveted gold trophies, and check out the full list of nominees here.