Close race for best drama at 2016 Emmys

  • 19/09/2016
Game of Thrones author George R.R. Martin arrives at the Emmys (Reuters)
Game of Thrones author George R.R. Martin arrives at the Emmys (Reuters)

Game of Thrones is expected to reign over the Emmys again, with 23 award nominations, but it's too close to call in the drama category.

Last year the hugely popular fantasy series won 12 awards and one week ago the show won in nine technical categories at the Creative Arts Emmys.

It is, however, up against Downton Abbey for Best Drama Series, which could cause a surprise dethroning.

The favourite to win the Emmy for variety talk is Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, which is up against Jerry Seinfeld's online series Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee, amongst the regular late night shows.

One noticeable absence though is the Daily Show, which won 13 consecutive awards with Jon Stewart at the helm, until he was replaced by Trevor Noah.

Streaming services could have a breakthrough at this year's awards. Netflix has 54 nominations - it's highest ever, and more than any broadcast networks.

There is a chance Netflix could win in the drama category with House of Cards, but with Game of Thrones and Downton Abbey also nominated, the race is tight.

Newshub.