London:
Hit horror TV show `American Horror Story` and fantasy drama `Game of Thrones` lead this year`s Primetime Emmy Awards nominations with 17 and 16 nods respectively.
`Game of Thrones` leads the Outstanding Drama Series category and the second season of Ryan Murphy`s anthology show - titled `American Horror Story: Asylum` - rules the miniseries categories, reported a daily.
Besides being up for the top prize, `Game of Thrones` is celebrating numerous nominations, including Outstanding Supporting Actress for Emilia Clarke and Outstanding Supporting Actor for Peter Dinklage.
Other TV heavyweights competing in the Outstanding Drama category are `Breaking Bad`, `Homeland`, `Downton Abbey`, `Mad Men`, and newcomer `House of Cards`.
`American Horror Story` actress Jessica Lange is up for the Outstanding Lead Actress in a Miniseries or Movie prize in addition to the show`s Outstanding Miniseries or Movie nomination.
Meanwhile, hit sitcoms `The Big Bang Theory` and `Modern Family` are strong favourites to win the Outstanding Comedy Series category, nominated alongside `Louie`, `Girls`, `30 Rock` and `Veep`.
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series is shaping up to be a tough category with seven stars getting nods. Among the leading ladies up for the prestigious golden statue are Connie Britton (`Nashville`), Claire Danes (`Homeland`), Michelle Dockery (`Downton Abbey`), Vera Farmiga (`Bates Motel`), Elisabeth Moss (`Mad Men`), Robin Wright (`House of Cards`) and Kerry Washington (`Scandal`).
This year`s Emmy Awards, to be hosted by `How I Met Your Mother` funnyman Neil Patrick Harris, will take place in Los Angeles on September 22.
