Gervais' Extras and Mirren's Prime Suspect score multiple Emmy nominations

The Sopranos leads the field in this year's nominations but Extras has gained four nominations including best actor in a comedy series for Ricky Gervais - and star Ricky is up against actor Steve Carell who took the starring role in the US version of hit show The Office.

But both will face stiff competition from the star of the much-lauded Mafia drama, James Gandolfini, which bowed out earlier this year.

The show is up for 15 awards including best actor for Gandolfini who has already won three best-actor Emmys, and was nominated again this year, for his role as conflicted New Jersey mob boss Tony Soprano.

Gervais and partner Stephen Merchant share nominations for best director and best writing, while Sir Ian McKellen is up for best guest star.

The final Prime Suspect also has four nominations - best actress in a miniseries or movie for its Oscar and Bafta winner Dame Helen Mirren, best direction, best miniseries and best writing.

Channel 4's Longford, a drama about the penal reform campaigner who befriended Moors Murderer Myra Hindley, is a contender in five categories.

Broadbent is nominated for best actor in a miniseries or movie for Jim Broadbent and best supporting actress for Samantha Morton.

There are also nominations for Hugh Laurie (best actor in a drama for his role as an irascible doctor in House) and Minnie Driver (best actress in a drama for her performance as a con artist in The Riches).

Ugly Betty has 11 nominations including best actress in a comedy for America Ferrara.

Speaking after the nominations were announced, Miss Ferrara said: "We've got a lot of attention, I think, just based on the fact the show is pretty different than anything that is out there right now.

She added: "I think just the title alone from the get-go captivated people to get interested and see what it's about. ... It's unique television at the moment."

Scroll down for more...

Grey's Anatomy and sci-fi series Heroes, the second series of which debuts on BBC1 next week also feature strongly.

Scroll down for more...

The best actress in a comedy category pits Ugly Betty's America Ferrara against Felicity Huffman for Desperate Housewives.

The BBC's Rome drama, Jane Eyre adaptation and Planet Earth series also picked up a slew of nominations.

The Primetime Emmy Awards ceremony will take place on September 16 at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles.