US TV stars react to Emmy nominations

US television stars named in this week's nominations for the 60th Primetime Emmy Awards have been reacting to their success.

Kevin Spacey, up for lead actor in a miniseries or movie for Recount and for producing honours on Bernard And Doris, paid tribute to Sydney Pollack, who was involved in making the presidential election drama and died earlier this year.

"He was the first person who called me about Recount and he was such an extraordinary man... in some strange timing Sydney lived until the morning after [the film] aired on HBO. It was the last film and he stayed with it until the end."

Glenn Close is nominated for best lead drama actress in legal drama Damages. "I have never lost sleep over whether I am going to win or not but now I know how important it is to bring attention to the show and bring it to a large audience," she said. "I am a huge cheerleader for the show and am so proud of it."

America Ferrera is competing for lead comedy actress, which she won last year, again thanks to Ugly Betty. "I got up and watched the announcements on TV," she said. "I am looking forward to sitting in a seat that is not behind the stage. Last year, with the circular stage, we looked at everyone's backs."

Dexter star Michael C. Hall, who has a nod in the drama actor category, commented: "There will be a sense of celebration on the set today and a reinvigorated sense of purpose."

Lee Pace, nominated for lead comedy actor for Pushing Daisies, recalled hearing the news: "My dog woke me up because he wakes me up every morning to go on a hike. He doesn't care about the Emmys. But when I got up and saw I had a lot of messages I knew what it meant. It's nice and I'm really happy and I am back to work today."

Mad Men star Jon Hamm, up in the drama lead category, hailed the all-round success of the show, which has 16 nominations. "It's obviously quite exciting stuff but, at the same time, quite a whirlwind that's kind of hard to navigate," he said. "My overriding feeling is one of gratitude that our show was recognised so completely and so wonderfully, top to bottom."

> 'Mad Men', '30 Rock' dominate Emmy noms