The 1960s drama Mad Men which has taken home the best drama prize in each of the past three years, was among the six nominees in the category this year.
Mad Men, the sharply observed drama of a changing 1960s America, has captured 19 Emmy nominations to lead the series pack, with the melodramatic miniseries Mildred Pierce starring Kate Winslet grabbing a top 21 bids.
Mad Men has a chance to repeat for a fourth consecutive year as best drama. Modern Family, last year's top comedy series, was the most-nominated sitcom with 17 bids.
Other contenders were: Boardwalk Empire, Friday Night Lights and Dexter.
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In the comedy category, the nominees were: Tina Fey's 30 Rock, Modern Family, Glee, The Big Bang Theory and Parks and Recreation.
Nominees for best actress in a drama were Julianna Margulies for her role in The Good Wife; Elisabeth Moss for her work in Mad Men; Connie Britton for Friday Night Lights; Mariska Hargitay for Law and Order: SVU; and Kathy Bates, who stars in Harry's Law.
The nominees for best comedic actress were: Fey; Edie Falco for Nurse Jackie, Amy Poehler, who stars in Parks and Recreation; Martha Plimpton for Raising Hope; Melissa McCarthy for Mike & Molly; and Laura Linney for The Big C.
Male dramatic actor nominees were: Jon Hamm from Mad Men; Steve Buscemi from Boardwalk Empire; Kyle Chandler of Friday Night Lights; Hugh Laurie from House; and Timothy Olyphant of Justified.
Among male comedians, Steve Carell was nominated for his work in The Office as was Alec Baldwin from 30 Rock; Matt LeBlanc from Episodes"; Louis C.K. from the show Louie; and Jim Parsons and Johnny Galecki, both stars of Big Bang Theory.
The 63th annual awards ceremony will be held in Los Angeles on September 18.
