Jon Hamm of Mad Men.

'Mad Men' and 'American Horror Story' lead the nominations at this year's Emmy Awards with 17 each.

The advertising drama is hoping to gain its fifth Best Drama win, which would make it the only series ever to have won the accolade that many times. At present it is level on four victories with 'Hill Street Blues', 'L.A. Law' and 'The West Wing'.

Other nominees in the same category are 'Breaking Bad', 'The Good Wife', 'Game of Thrones', 'Boardwalk Empire', British Drama 'Downton Abbey' and newcomer 'Homeland'.

'Downton Abbey' - which was awarded Best Miniseries in 2011, but has switched categories for 2012 - picked up 16 nominations.

Jimmy Kimmel stepped in to announce the nominees at 05.40 am Thursday morning in Los Angeles, stepping in for Nick Offerman, who was delayed by weather problems.

As he took to the stage in his pyjamas, alongside actress Kerry Washington, the show host asked: "Is this a sex dream?"

Jimmy gave the nominations for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series, which sees 'Boardwalk Empire' star Steve Buscemi face off against 'Dexter' actor Michael C. Hall, Bryan Cranston from 'Breaking Bad', Hugh Bonneville from 'Downton Abbey', 'Mad Men' lead Jon Hamm and Damian Lewis, star of 'Homeland'.

Lead Actress in a Drama Series pits 'The Good Wife' star Julianna Margulies against Michelle Dockery from 'Downton Abbey', Elisabeth Moss from 'Mad Men', Kathy Bates from 'Harry's Law', 'Homeland' star Claire Danes and 'Damages' actress Glenn Close.

The Outstanding Comedy Series 2012 section was populated by mostly familiar shows, with '30 Rock', 'Curb Your Enthusiasm', 'Modern Family' and 'The Big Bang Theory' all picking up nods, joined by newcomers 'Girls' and 'Veep'.

Jimmy will also host the Emmy awards at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles on September 23 which will also be broadcast live.

2012 Emmy Awards main nominations:

Best Drama Series:
'Boardwalk Empire'
'Breaking Bad'
'Downton Abbey'
'Mad Men'
'Homeland'
'Game Of Thrones'

Best Actor in a Drama Series:
Steve Buscemi ('Boardwalk Empire')
Michael C Hall ('Dexter')
Bryan Cranston ('Breaking Bad')
Hugh Bonneville ('Downton Abbey')
Jon Hamm ('Mad Men')
Damian Lewis ('Homeland')

Best Actress in a Drama Series:
Julianna Marguiles ('The Good Wife')
Michelle Dockery ('Downton Abbey')
Elisabeth Moss ('Mad Men')
Kathy Bates ('Harry's Law')
Claire Danes ('Homeland')
Glenn Close ('Damages')

Best Comedy Series:
'Curb Your Enthusiasm'
'Girls'
'30 Rock'
'Veep'
'Modern Family'
'The Big Bang Theory'

(Image: WENN)