British stars lead the way with a host of Emmy nominations

British stars lead the way with a host of Emmy nominations Credit: Ian West/PA Wire/Press Association Images

British actors are leading the way among those nominated for the 2014 Primetime Emmy awards. Martin Freeman, Downton Abbey's Michelle Dockery, Benedict Cumberbatch and Chiwitel Ejiofor were among the nominees announced in Los Angeles.

The television adaptation of the 1996 film Fargo got 18 nominations with a nomination for Freeman. And it was the fantasy drama series Game of Thrones setting the bar with 19 nominations including best drama series.

Michelle Dockery. Credit: Dave Bedrosian/Geisler-Fotopress/DPA/Press Association Images

Freeman was also nominated for best supporting actor in the Sherlock: His Last Vow mini-series. The Emmys are to be awarded on August 25 at a ceremony in Los Angeles.

Sitcom Modern Family is in the running for a fifth consecutive best comedy series prize, up against Veep, The Big Bang Theory, Louie, Orange is the New Black and Silicon Valley.

Benedict Cumberbatch Credit: Briquet Nicolas/ABACA/Press Association Images

Matthew McConaughey and co-star Woody Harrelson have been nominated for roles in television drama True Detective, and will be up against Mad Men's Jon Hamm, Kevin Spacey for House of Cards, Bryan Cranston for Breaking Bad and Jeff Daniels for The Newsroom.