Sopranos tipped to win at Emmys

Friday, 14 September 2007

The Sopranos is widely expected to crown its final season with the top prize at the prestigious Primetime Emmy Awards in Los Angeles on Sunday.

The mob drama, which ended in the US in June, is favourite to win best drama. The show, starring James Gandolfini, also has 14 other nominations.

Boston Legal, House, Grey's Anatomy and Heroes are also up for best drama.

Best comedy nominees are last year's winner The Office, Entourage, 30 Rock, Two and a Half Men and Ugly Betty.

The made-for-TV movie Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee has the most nominations overall, shortlisted for 17 prizes.

British actress Minnie Driver is up for best lead actress in a drama series for her portrayal of a con artist alongside comedian Eddie Izzard in The Riches.

But she faces tough competition from favourite Edie Falco, who already has three Emmys for playing the wife of mob boss Tony Soprano, played by Gandolfini.

Other contenders are last year's winner Mariska Hargitay, Patricia Arquette, Sally Field and Kyra Sedgwick.

In a poll on the Los Angeles Times' website, TV critics and other pundits predicted Gandolfini would win best dramatic actor, although House star Hugh Laurie could give him a run for his money.

Other UK nominations include Ricky Gervais for Extras, Dame Helen Mirren for Prime Suspect and Jim Broadbent for Longford.

In addition to a best actor nomination for his role in Extras, Gervais has been nominated for his writing and directing.

Sir Ian McKellen receives a guest star nomination for playing himself in the BBC comedy.

America Ferrera, who plays fashion-challenged personal assistant Betty Suarez in Ugly Betty, is nominated for best comedy actress award - one of 11 nominations her show has in total.

American Idol, whose host Ryan Seacrest is fronting the Emmys ceremony, will be hoping to scoop the prize for most-watched TV show.