The Latest: 'Game of Thrones' leads Emmy nominations with 24

WEST HOLLYWOOD, Calif. (AP) — Here's the latest on the 67th annual Primetime Emmy nominations announced Thursday in West Hollywood, California, by the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (all times local):

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8:38 a.m.

The fantasy saga "Game of Thrones" received a leading 24 Emmy Awards nominations Thursday.

The drama wasn't hurt by controversy over its depiction of a female character's rape, earning five more nominations than it did last year.

It's a contender again for best drama series, an award that has eluded it.

The TV academy recognized the increasingly diverse talent on TV, giving best actress nods to black stars Taraji P. Henson for "Empire" and Viola Davis for "How to Get Away with Murder."

That's sets up a possibility of a history-making win: An African-American actress has never won the top drama acting award.

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8:35 a.m.

The reading of Emmy nominations has begun. The nominees for best actor in a drama series are: Kyle Chandler, "Bloodline"; Jeff Daniels, "The Newsroom"; Jon Hamm, "Mad Men"; Bob Odenkirk, "Better Call Saul"; Kevin Spacey, "House of Cards"; Liev Schreiber, "Ray Donovan."

The nominees for best actress in a drama series are: Claire Danes, "Homeland"; Viola Davis, "How to Get Away With Murder"; Taraji P. Henson, "Empire"; Tatiana Maslany, "Orphan Black"; Elisabeth Moss, "Mad Men"; Robin Wright, "House of Cards."

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8:05 a.m.

Reporters and industry insiders are gathering in the SilverScreen Theater at the Pacific Design Center in West Hollywood, California, in anticipation of the 8:30 a.m. Emmy nominations.

Top categories will be announced in a five-minute webcast by Uzo Aduba and Cat Deeley, who will soon take the stage that is flanked with two giant Emmy Award statuettes.

Reporters grabbed last-minute bites of pastries and sips of coffee before the announcement, while press packets with details about the nominees were parked on a cart outside the theater and closely watched by academy personnel.

The midmorning announcements this year were a welcome change for many attendees after decades of pre-dawn proceedings.

The 67th annual Primetime Emmy Awards will be presented Sept. 20 at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, hosted by Andy Samberg and broadcast live on Fox.