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The Emmys 2012: Both Downton and Mad Men are up for the night's top prize, Best Drama Series
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