West Wing faces new challengers at Emmys

The West Wing will face tough competition this year as it guns for another best drama Emmy.

With The Sopranos out of the running, a new pack of rivals includes 24 and Six Feet Under.

The 54th annual Emmy nominations were to be unveiled today by ER’s Laura Innes and Eric McCormack of Will & Grace at the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences’ Leonard H Goldenson Theatre in Los Angeles.

Last year, The West Wing received 18 nominations, second only to the 22 bids for The Sopranos. The West Wing went on to win its second-consecutive best drama trophy.

The Sopranos is not in contention this year because its new episodes did not air during the eligibility period.

Sex and the City has a chance of repeating its victory last year in the best comedy series category.

A new Emmy award - for outstanding achievement in interactive television programming - was to make its debut this year. The category recognises interactive content related to a specific TV programme.

The 54th PrimeTime Emmy Awards will be screened on September 22.