BBC costume drama Cranford has received eight Emmy nominations, while Ricky Gervais's Extras: The Extra Special Series Finale got six, it was announced today.

Dame Judi Dench has been put forward as Outstanding Lead Actress in a Mini Series or a Movie for her role as Matty Jenkins.

And her co-star Eileen Atkins is up for the Outstanding Actress in a Mini Series or a Movie for playing Deborah Jenkins.

Dame good: Dame Judi Dench is up for Outstanding Lead Actress and co-star Dame Eileen Atkins is up for Outstanding Actress for their roles in the critically acclaimed BBC costume drama Cranford

The critically acclaimed series also received nominations including Outstanding Mini Series, Outstanding Casting and Outstanding Costumes.

Atkins is up against Ashley Jensen for her role as Maggie Jacobs in Extras: The Extra Special Series Finale.

Gervais has been nominated in the Actor in a Mini Series or Movie section for his part in the show as Andy Millman.

House, starring Hugh Laurie, received four nominations, including best Drama Series and Laurie as best Actor in a Drama for playing Dr Gregory House.

Top cop: Ashley Jensen and Ricky Gervais have earned Emmy nominations for their parts in Extras: The Extra Special Series Finale

Ralph Fiennes received a nomination for his role as Bernard Lafferty in the HBO film Bernard And Doris and Tom Wilkinson was lauded for his part in TV movie Recount, up against Gervais in the best Actor in a Mini Series or Movie category.

He was also nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actor for his portrayal of Benjamin Franklin in the Presidential mini series John Adams.

Golden Globe winner Mad Men received 16 Emmy nods, while defending comedy champ 30 Rock was the most recognised series overall with 17, breaking the nomination record for a comedy.

Results of the 60th Primetime Emmy Awards, US television's highest honours, will be shown live on September 21 on U.S. channel ABC.