Emmy's Suspenseful Dawn

The mob heat is off "The West Wing" as it guns for another best drama Emmy.

With "The Sopranos" out of the running this year, "The West Wing" faced a new pack of rivals Thursday in the 54th annual Emmy nominations, including "24" and "Six Feet Under."

Nominations were to be announced in an early-morning ceremony by Laura Innes of "ER" and Eric McCormack of "Will & Grace," who was named best actor in a comedy series at last year's Emmy Awards.

The live, four-minute ceremony at the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences' Leonard H. Goldenson Theatre was to include nominees in major categories and others.

The early hour allows live coverage on East Coast morning shows.

Last year, NBC's White House series received 18 nominations, second only to the 22 bids received by HBO's "The Sopranos." "The West Wing" went on to capture its second-consecutive best drama trophy.

"The Sopranos" isn't in contention this year because new episodes didn't show in the eligibility period.

HBO's "Sex and the City," last year's best comedy series winner, has the chance to repeat.

A new Emmy honor, for outstanding achievement in interactive television programming, is making its debut. The category recognizes interactive content that is related to a specific TV program.

The 54th PrimeTime Emmy Awards will air Sept. 22 on NBC. A host has yet to be announced.

By Lynn Elber