LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Dramas "American Horror Story" and "Downton Abbey" earned the favor of Emmy award voters on Thursday and joined a list of past favorites including "Mad Men" and "Modern Family" among nominees for the top US television honors.

Advertising show "Mad Men," last year's winner for best TV drama, was nominated in 17 categories, as was new thriller "American Horror Story" to lead the pack of shows in the hunt for awards when they are given out in September. British show "Downton Abbey" earned 16 nods.

Joining "Mad Men" and "Downton Abbey" in the best drama category are psychological thriller "Homeland," medieval period piece "Game of Thrones" and past favorites "Boardwalk Empire" and "Breaking Bad."

In the comedy arena, "Modern Family," which like "Mad Men" won best TV show in its genre last year, pulled in 14 nominations including best TV comedy again. It will compete in that arena against newcomers "Girls" and "Veep," as well as "The Big Bang Theory," "Curb Your Enthusiasm" and "30 Rock."

The Emmys are the top TV awards in the United States given out by the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. This year's Emmy Awards will take place on September 23 and be broadcast on the ABC television network.

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