Emmy nominees mark best of US television

The new HBO series "Game of Thrones" and the popular CBS drama "The Good Wife" were among the contenders nominated Thursday to vie for Emmy awards, the top prize in the US television world. 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. Other contenders were: "Boardwalk Empire," "Friday Night Lights" and "Dexter." 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.