"Mad Men" received 19 nominations Thursday, including the best drama category. It has a chance to repeat for a fourth time as TV's best drama. Stars Jon Hamm and Elisabeth Moss are up for lead acting honors.
"Mildred Pierce," grabbed 21 bids. The miniseries also earned a bid for stars Kate Winslet and Melissa Leo. "Modern Family," last year's top comedy series, was the most-nominated sitcom with 17 bids, including best comedy series and six supporting nominations.
Other leading nominees include the Prohibition-era drama "Boardwalk Empire" with 18 nominations, "Saturday Night Live" with 16 and 13 bids each for the fantasy saga "Game of Thrones" and the sitcom "30 Rock."
Joshua Jackson from the drama "Fringe" and Melissa McCarthy of "Mike & Molly" announced this year's nominees along with Television Academy Chairman and CEO John Shaffner. McCarthy was nominated for her sitcom.
The controversial miniseries "The Kennedys," which was dropped by the History channel and given a second chance by the lesser-known ReelzChannel, received 10 nominations, including best miniseries.
Familiar faces have a chance to claim - or reclaim - Emmys, including last year's lead comedy actress winner Edie Falco of "Nurse Jackie" and Jim Parsons, best actor for a comedy for "The Big Bang Theory." Both were nominated this year.
Steve Carell earned a best comedy actor for his final season of "The Office," and Matt LeBlanc, best known for his role as Joey in "Friends," received a lead comedy actor bid for playing a screen version of himself in the satiric show business series "Episodes."
There were fresh faces as well, including best drama actress nominee Mireille Enos of "The Killing" and best drama actor nominee Timothy Olyphant of "Justified."
Other best drama contenders besides "Game of Thrones" and "Mad Men" are "Boardwalk Empire," "Dexter," "Friday Night Lights" and "The Good Wife."
"Modern Family" is competing with "The Big Bang Theory," "Glee," "The Office," "Parks and Recreation" and "30 Rock" for the best comedy crown.
The Emmy ceremony is scheduled to air Sept. 18.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
