The violent saga "Game of Thrones," based on the work of novelist George R.R. Martin, emerged Thursday as the leading nominee with 19 Emmy nods, according to The Associated Press.
Whether voters will go far enough to crown "Game of Thrones" with the top drama award is the question, the AP reported. With the exception of "Lost," shows that fall within the fantasy and sci-fi genres have fallen short, although they have reaped other awards such as Peter Dinklage, nominated again this year, for his 2011 supporting actor award for "Game of Thrones."
"Voters like shows that feel more real and important in terms of today's social or political topics," said Tom O'Neil, author of "The Emmys" and organizer of the Gold Derby awards website, according to the AP.
The best drama contenders besides the nicknamed "GOT" are "Breaking Bad," "Downton Abbey," "House of Cards," "Mad Men" and "True Detective," the AP reported.
Netflix's political thriller "House of Cards," which made a breakthrough last year as the first online series nominated for a major award, has the chance again at Emmy victory, according to the AP. The prison-set "Orange is the New Black," also from Netflix, leaped that barrier on the flip side this time around with a bid for best comedy series, along with a nod for star Taylor Schilling.
Also competing for best comedy honors are "The Big Bang Theory," "Louie," "Silicon Valley," "Veep," and "Modern Family," a four-time winner that has the chance to tie "Frasier" as the all-time winning sitcom with one more award, the AP reported.
Academy Awards best-actor winner Matthew McConaughey ("Dallas Buyers Club") and nominee Chiwetel Ejiofor ("12 Years a Slave") are both nominees for TV projects, as are past Oscar winners, including Julia Roberts, Jane Fonda and Billy Bob Thornton, according to the AP.
McConaughey and "True Detective" co-star Harrelson both will vie for best drama actor honors, along with four-time winner Cranston for "Breaking Bad," Jon Hamm for "Mad Men," Kevin Spacey for "House of Cards," and Jeff Daniels for "The Newsroom," who won the Emmy last year, the AP reported.
