Fantasy drama series “Games of Thrones” has topped the list of nominations for this year’s Primetime Emmy awards with a total of 19 nods.
The Northern Ireland filmed programme was recognised in a number of technical categories, including directing, casting, art direction and costumes, as well as the bigger awards, including Outstanding Drama Series.
Also hoping to collect an accolade during the Emmy ceremony in August are Peter Dinklage and Lena Headey, who are nominated in the Outstanding Actor/Actress in a Drama Series category.
Dinklage portrays the intelligent “imp” Tyrion Lanister in the HBO programme, while Headey plays his conniving sister Queen Cersei.
Northern Ireland’s Ronan Hill and his team have been nominated for Outstanding Sound Mixing for a Comedy or Drama Series. They won for season two of “Game of Thrones” in 2012 and were nominated again for season three in 2013.
Period drama “Downton Abbey” also received a number of nods, including Outstanding Drama Series and Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for Maggie Smith, who plays the Dowager Countess.
Michelle Dockery, who plays Lady Mary Crawley, Jim Carter, who plays Mr Carson and Joanne Froggart, who plays lady’s maid Anna, have also been recognised at this year’s awards.
“Downton Abbey,” which returns to UTV this autumn, received 12 nominations in total.
“Sherlock” star Martin Freeman has eclipsed his co-star Benedict Cumberbatch after he was nominated for two awards.
The actor, nominated for his role as Dr Watson and for his work in US mini-series “Fargo,” is one of a host of UK stars among the nominees announced on Thursday.
His performance as Lester Nygaard in “Fargo,” based on the hit film of the same name, sees him nominated for Outstanding Lead Actor In A Miniseries or A Movie.
The other nominees include Benedict, nominated for “Sherlock,” Chiwetel Ejiofor who is nominated for the BBC drama “Dancing On The Edge” and Idris Elba for “Luther.”
Also in the running are Mark Ruffalo and Freeman’s “Fargo” co-star Billy Bob Thornton.
Martin’s performance as Watson sees him pick up another nomination - for Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Miniseries or A Movie - where he faces competition from names including “Fargo’s” Colin Hanks and Alfred Molina.
The awards will be handed out at a Los Angeles ceremony on 25 August 2014.
