'Downton Abbey' and 'Mad Men' go head-to-head for Emmy glory

The 2012 Emmy Awards are now within viewing distance, with the small screen's finest jostling to be rewarded on Sunday September 23.

This year, Downton Abbey's well-heeled residents will come up against Mad Men's heady mixture of power and glamour.

Both are up for the night's top prize, Best Drama Series, and both are flirting with Emmy history. 

Downton Abbey has garnered an incredible sixteen nominations, while Mad Men have their eye on their fifth consecutive win in the coveted category.

Away from the competition in the auditorium, all eyes will be on the shows' stars and their sartorial style.

Christina Hendricks' classic look never disappoints, and it's always interesting to see how rock chic Elizabeth McGovern marries her polished character's style with real-life choices. 

Others competing in the top tier include US shows Breaking Bad, and the hugely popular series Homeland, which stars Claire Danes and British actor Damian Lewis.

Game of Thrones and Boardwalk Empire also have their hats in the ring.

Comedian Jimmy Kimmel is on hosting duty, and has some tricks up his sleeve to ensure the night is a fun-filled affair.

"I am gonna do something very weird during the show," he said. "I think it could possibly be the biggest prank ever pulled, as far as number of people involved.

"I haven't researched it, but it'll definitely be right up there. The audience will be a participant in this. So it's important that you watch because you're either going to be in on it or not."

On Sunday, all will be revealed, fun will be had, and one series will be crowned king of the small screen.

2012 Emmy Award Nominations 

• Outstanding Drama Series
  Boardwalk Empire
  Breaking Bad
  Downton Abbey
  Homeland
  Mad Men
  Game of Thrones
  
  
• Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series
  Glenn Close in Damages
  Michelle Dockery in Downton Abbey
  Julianna Margulies in The Good Wife
  Kathy Bates in Harry’s Law
  Clare Danes in Homeland
  Elisabeth Moss in Mad Men
  
  
• Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series
  Steve Buscemi in Boardwalk Empire
  Bryan Cranston in Breaking Bad
  Michael C. Hall in Dexter
  Damian Lewis in Homeland
  Jon Hamm in Mad Men
  Hugh Bonneville in Downton Abbey
  
  
• Supporting Actress
  Anna Gunn in Breaking Bad
  Maggie Smith in Downton Abbey
  Joanne Froggatt in Downton Abbey
  Archie Panjabi in The Good Wife
  Christine Baranski in The Good Wife
  Christina Hendricks in Mad Men
  
  
• Supporting Actor
  Aaron Paul in Breaking Bad
  Giancarlo Esposito in Breaking Bad
  Brendan Coyle in Downton Abbey
  Jim Carter in Downton Abbey
  Peter Dinklage in Game of Thrones
  Jared Harris in Mad Men
  
  
• Miniseries or TV Movie
  Sherlock: A Scandal in Belgravia
  Luther
  American Horror Story
  Game Change
  Hatfields & McCoys
  Hemingway & Gellhorn
  
  
• Lead Actress in a Miniseries or Movie
  Emma Thompson in The Song of Lunch
  Connie Britton in American Horror Story
  Julianne Moore in Game Change
  Nicole Kidman in Hemingway & Gellhorn
  Ashley Judd in Missing
  
  
• Lead Actor in a Miniseries or Movie
  Idris Elba in Luther
  Benedict Cumberbatch in Sherlock: A Scandal in Belgravia
  Woody Harrelson in Game Change
  Kevin Costner in Hatfields & McCoys
  Bill Paxton in Hatfields & McCoys
  Clive Owen in Hemingway & Gellhorn
  
  
• Comedy Series
  The Big Bang Theory
  Curb Your Enthusiasm
  Girls
  Modern Family
  30 Rock
  Veep
  
  
• Comedy Actor
  Jim Parsons in The Big Bang Theory
  Larry David in Curb Your Enthusiasm
  Don Cheadle in House of Lies
  Louis C.K. in Louie
  Alec Baldwin in 30 Rock
  Jon Cryer in Two and a Half Men
  
  
• Comedy Actress
  Lena Dunham in Girls
  Melissa McCarthy in Mike & Molly
  Zooey Deschanel in New Girl
  Edie Falco in Nurse Jackie
  Amy Poehler in Parks and Recreation
  Tina Fey in 30 Rock
  Julia Louis-Dreyfus in Veep