Hit TV shows battle for Emmy nod

This year is the first time longlists have been made public

Hit US TV shows including Ugly Betty, Pushing Daisies and Lost will battle for nomination at this year's Primetime Emmy awards, organisers have revealed.

The shows are among 10 drama series and 10 comedies announced as semi-finalists after ballots of Academy of Television Arts and Sciences members.

It marks the first time longlists have been revealed to the public.

A shortlist of five nominees in each category will be announced next month, ahead of September's award show.

British connection

Previous best drama winner Lost, which tells the story of the survivors of a plane crash on a deserted island, faces competition from courtroom drama Boston Legal, which was nominated last year.

British actress Anna Friel stars in surreal comedy Pushing Daisies

Two other past nominees, medical shows House and Grey's Anatomy, are also up for the award. They are joined by Friday Night Lights, serial killer drama Dexter and period drama Mad Men.

The longlist for outstanding drama series is completed by legal drama Damages, historical show The Tudors and the final season of crime programme The Wire.

Comedy winners from the past two years - 30 Rock and the US version of The Office - are once again in the running, as well as Pushing Daisies, starring British actress Anna Friel.

Fashion comedy Ugly Betty is also in with a shout.

Musical sitcom Flight of the Conchords, Weeds and animated series Family Guy also make the longlist.

Long-running shows Curb Your Enthusiasm, Entourage and Two and a Half Men complete the line-up.

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