Ally McBeal is the newest of the bunch, and has already made a name for itself on both sides of the Atlantic.

A quirky series about a young lawyer and her tangled emotional and professional life, its nomination in the best comedy category is unusual because it is an hour-long programme.

But that did not harm its chances at the Golden Globes earlier this year, in which Ally McBeal won best comedy or musical series, and Calista Flockhart, the show's leading lady, was voted best actress.

Frasier picked up the Emmy award for best comedy in 1997, but this year, Academy voters could turn on nostalgia and give a final honour to Seinfeld.

The hugely popular NBC show has come to end of its run, a decision made by its lead actor, which has left fans and production executives distraught.

The serious side

The US Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) topped nominations for this year's news and documentary awards.

It dominated categories for historical programmes and individual achievements for the work of writers, engineers, music production and lighting and graphic design.

Coverage of the death of Diana, Princess of Wales, also earned CBS, NBC and ABC mentions for the coverage of breaking news category.

And CBS flagship news programmes such as 60 Minutes and CBS Evening News gave it the most nominations in the news categories.

And the winner is...

Viewers will have to wait until 13 September to find out who walks away with what. But the occasion does promise to hold a few other surprises.

For a start, the Emmys' producers have decided to do away with one single host to present the show.

Instead, there will be a star-studded collection of American television's favourite personalities, who will jointly host the ceremony. However, no-one has been named as yet.

Producer Don Mischer said: "We want it to feel like the entire television industry has come together for this night.

And as part of the 50th anniversary theme, the Emmys will look back at past winners such as Fred Astaire, Laurence Olivier and Harry Belafonte.

This will mean that the show is extended to a four-hour long affair, to be televised live on NBC, and for the first time ever, the public will be invited.