Emmys return with 'Shogun' and 'The Bear' leading the pack

Hollywood will dole out the annual Emmy Awards, the highest honours in television, on Sunday at a red-carpet ceremony where historical drama "Shogun" and restaurant tale "The Bear" are poised to dominate the night.

Shogun a lavish epic about a power struggle in 17th-century Japan, is the frontrunner to take the night's top trophy for best drama series, according to awards pundits. Reigning best comedy champion The Bear is expected to claim that prize again.

Both shows debuted on the FX cable network and stream on Hulu, setting up a big night for owner Walt Disney and its TV chief Dana Walden.

Sunday's ceremony will take place just eight months after the last Emmys, which aired in an unusual January slot because of disruptions caused by Hollywood labour strikes.

Ahead of the ceremony, Shogun has already set records. It won 14 trophies - the most ever for one season of a drama series - at last weekend's Creative Arts Emmys, where awards were given for guest actors and crafts such as cinematography.

The expensive series was no sure thing. It had been in development for years before it came together with elaborate sets, makeup and costumes and storytelling that impressed critics with its attention to detail.

"That's part of the Cinderella story of this series," said Clayton Davis, awards editor at Hollywood publication Variety.

Competitors for best drama include British royal family saga The Crown and spy thriller Mr. & Mrs. Smith from Amazon's Prime Video.

The Bear also performed well at the Creative Arts Emmys, earning seven awards. The show is competing with its second season, which featured a widely praised episode about a disastrous family holiday gathering.

HBO's Hacks, about a 70-something comedienne and a millennial writer, could play the role of spoiler in the comedy category. Due to the timing of their seasons, the shows have never competed head-to-head at the Emmys.

Limited series looks like a lock for Baby Reindeer, awards watchers said. The Netflix series tells the tale of a bartender stalked and harassed by a customer.

Scottish comedian and star Richard Gadd has said the Netflix show is based on his real-life story, although a defamation lawsuit argues the stalker's behaviour is exaggerated.

Rivals for limited series include Netflix's psychological thriller Ripley, FX's Fargo and HBO's True Detective: Night Country, starring lead actress nominee Jodie Foster.

Winners are chosen by the nearly 22,000 performers, directors, producers and other members of Hollywood's Television Academy.