As the quality of TV programming continues going up and up, particularly on cable networks, the Emmy Awards are becoming all the more relevant to the world of film. A lot of the big stars from TV shows eventually find their way onto the big screen, and many of the most talented series creators also get offered gigs directing movies.

This year, the most nominated show is AMC’s series Mad Men, a period piece about advertising men in the 60’s. I can vouch that the show is exquisitely shot and offers a really interesting look at the way things used to be (and in some ways, how they haven’t changed at all). The only thing missing from it is George Clooney in a starring role.

Anyway, here’s a quick recap of some of the nominees in the major categories; you can see the full list via the link below. It’s interesting to note that HBO didn’t have much of a presence in the drama category. Do you see any oversights? Are your favourite shows being recognized? The Emmy Awards will air on Sept. 21 on ABC.

Outstanding Drama Series
Boston Legal
Damages
Dexter
House
Lost
Mad Men

Outstanding Comedy Series
30 Rock
Curb Your Enthusiasm
Entourage
The Office
Two And A Half Men

More after the jump.

Outstanding Miniseries
Cranford (MASTERPIECE)
John Adams
The Andromeda Strain
Tin Man

Outstanding Lead Actor In A Comedy Series
Alec Baldwin (30 Rock)
Tony Shalhoub (Monk)
Lee Pace (Pushing Daisies)
Steve Carell (The Office)
Charlie Sheen (Two And A Half Men)

Outstanding Lead Actor In A Drama Series
James Spader (Boston Legal)
Bryan Cranston (Breaking Bad)
Michael C. Hall (Dexter)
Hugh Laurie (House)
Gabriel Byrne (In Treatment)
Jon Hamm (Mad Men)

Outstanding Lead Actor In A Miniseries Or A Movie
Ralph Fiennes (Bernard And Doris)
Ricky Gervais (Extras: The Extra Special Series Finale)
Paul Giamatti (John Adams)
Kevin Spacey (Recount)
Tom Wilkinson (Recount)

Outstanding Lead Actress In A Comedy Series
Tina Fey (30 Rock)
Christina Applegate (Samantha Who?)
Julia Louis-Dreyfus (The New Adventures Of Old Christine)
America Ferrera (Ugly Betty)
Mary-Louise Parker (Weeds)

Outstanding Lead Actress In A Drama Series
Sally Field (Brothers & Sisters)
Glenn Close (Damages)
Mariska Hargitay (Law & Order: Special Victims Unit) as Olivia Benson
Holly Hunter (Saving Grace)
Kyra Sedgwick (The Closer)

Outstanding Lead Actress In A Miniseries Or A Movie
Phylicia Rashad (A Raisin In The Sun)
Catherine Keener (An American Crime)
Susan Sarandon (Bernard And Doris)
Dame Judi Dench (Cranford (MASTERPIECE))
Laura Linney (John Adams)

Outstanding Animated Program (Less Than One Hour)
Creature Comforts America
King Of The Hill
Robot Chicken
SpongeBob SquarePants
The Simpsons

Outstanding Nonfiction Series
American Masters
Biography
Deadliest Catch
Inside The Actors Studio
This American Life

Outstanding Reality-competition Program
American Idol
Dancing With The Stars
Project Runway
The Amazing Race
Top Chef

Outstanding Reality Program
Antiques Roadshow
Dirty Jobs
Extreme Makeover Home Edition
Intervention
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