LOS ANGELES - The critically acclaimed drama Six Feet Under led the Emmy nomination ceremony Thursday, beating three-time best drama winner The West Wing .

The program, set in a funeral home, received 16 nominations - including best drama series - to The West Wing 's 15. Other leading nominees included fan favourites The Sopranos , Everybody Loves Raymond , and Sex and the City .

Canadian actors on the Emmy nomination list include Eric McCormack - best comedy series actor for Will & Grace , Kim Cattrall - best comedy series supporting actress for Sex and the City , and Victor Garber - best drama series supporting actor for Alias .

Alliance Atlantis got a nod for the miniseries Hitler, The Rise of Evil and Cirque du Soleil: Fire Within received a nomination for alternative programming in one of two reality television categories.

The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences announced the 435 nominations for 89 categories at an early morning ceremony. The award ceremony takes place Sept. 21 at the Shine Auditorium. A host has not yet been announced.