Ricky Gervais is once against the toast of America's television industry, after two shows he created garnered a total of 14 Emmy nominations.

The US version of 'The Office' is up for eight awards, including Outstanding Comedy Series, two for Outstanding Direction, and one for Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for its star Steve Carell.

'Extras: The Extra Special Series Finale,' which was shown on the cable channel HBO in America, is up for six coveted awards including two for Gervais himself.

They are Outstanding Lead Actor in a TV Miniseries or Movie, and Outstanding Writing, with his long-time collaborator Stephen Merchant.

British talent also scores highly across the board in the awards, which are seen as the TV equivalent of the Oscars.

The BBC's 'Cranford' has been nominated in eight categories, including Outstanding Lead Actress in a Miniseries or Movie for Dame Judi Dench, who played Miss Matty Jenkyns.

Tom Wilkinson could win two acting statues for portraying two American politicians.

He's been recognised for his work in 'Recount,' in which he played the former US Secretary of State James Baker, and for 'John Adams' in which he starred as an irascible and unconventional Benjamin Franklin.

American dramas such as AMC's 'Mad Men,' and FX's 'Damages' dominate the nominations.

There's surprise that one of the most critically hailed dramas of the past decade 'The Wire' only secured one mention for its final season, for its writing.

This year there is a new category for Outstanding Host of a Reality Show in which Ryan Seacrest from 'American Idol' and Heidi Klum from 'Project Runway' are both nominated.

The 60th Emmy Awards will be held on September 21.

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