British talent is well represented at this year’s Emmy awards with Downton Abbey, Sherlock, Luther and Upstairs, Downstairs all in the running.

Period drama Downton Abbey, which aired on ITV1 last autumn, has secured an impressive 11 nominations including best miniseries or movie, up against HBO’s Mildred Pierce which leads the race with 21 nods.

In the best actress in a miniseries category, Downton’s Elizabeth McGovern will compete against Kate Winslet (Mildred Pierce) and Jean Marsh, who reprised her role as Rose Buck in period drama Upstairs, Downstairs for BBC1.

Upstairs, Downstairs has secured six nominations, including best supporting actress in a miniseries for Dame Eileen Atkins where she will go up against Dame Maggie Smith (Downton Abbey) and Oscar-winning Melissa Leo (Mildred Pearce).

UK indie Carnival Films, which made Downton Abbey, is also celebrating four nominations for Any Human Heart, a Channel 4 drama starring Jim Broadbent.

British actor Idris Elba is nominated for his leading role in BBC1 crime drama Luther.

BBC1’s Sherlock is also in the running for special effects while writer Steven Moffat has also been nominated for the contemporary take on the classic detective stories.

Sitcom Episodes, made by UK indie Hat Trick Productions, has secured three nominations: for lead actor Matt LeBlanc, writing and best theme music.

Other British nominations include Hugh Laurie, for his leading role in medical drama House, and Ricky Gervais for his stand-up special Out of England 2.

US adaptations of British formats have also been recognised by the awards with American Idol securing 10 nods, one nod for Undercover Boss and seven nominations for Dancing With the Stars, the US version of Strictly Come Dancing.

The adaptation of BBC comedy The Office is up for four awards, including best lead for Steve Carell, best comedy series and best writing while the US version of Channel 4’s Shameless has scored a nomination for guest actress Joan Cusack.

US comedy and drama have claimed the lion’s share of nominations and include:

  • Mad Men (19)
  • Boardwalk Empire (18)
  • Modern Family (17)
  • 30 Rock (13)
  • Game of Thrones (13)
  • Glee (12)
  • The Kennedys (10)
  • The Good Wife (9)
  • Pillars of the Earth (7)
  • The Borgias (6)
  • The Killing (6)

The 63rd Primetime Emmy Awards will be held in Los Angeles on 18 September.

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