The countdown has begun for the 61st Emmys which take place in Los Angeles Sunday night and the Irish are well up there this year.

Gabriel Byrne is up for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for “In Treatment.”

He's up against Hugh Laurie for “House,” Michael C. Hall for “Dexter,” Jon Hamm for “Mad Men,” Simon Baker for “The Mentalist” and Bryan Cranston for “Breaking Bad.” 

Another iconic Irish actor, Brendan Gleeson, is nominated for Best Lead Actor in a Miniseries or movie for his turn as Winston Churchill in HBO’s “Into the Storm.”

He’s up against fellow Irishman Kenneth Branagh, who’s nominated for his role in PBS’ “Wallander: One Step Behind.” Irish-American Kevin Kline is also up for same award for the starring role in PBS’ “Cyrano de Bergerac.”

One of the best series to come out of Ireland, Showtime’s “The Tudors,” was snubbed in the acting and best series categories, but is recognized for its outstanding makeup and costumes.

Irish-American comedian Kathy Griffin, who hosted the Creative Arts Emmys, which honors technicians, makeup artists and other crafts workers, has her show, “My Life on the D-List” up for Outstanding Reality Program.

Other Irish Americans up for awards include Steve Carrell, Charlie Sheen, Shirley MacLaine and Drew Barrymore.

Steve Carrell is once again up for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for his role as Michael in “The Office,” as is fellow Irish American Charlie Sheen for “Two and a Half Men.”

Irish-American acting great Shirley MacLaine is nominated for Best Actress in a Miniseries or Movie for her title role in “Coco Chanel.” She’ll go up against Irish-American Drew Barrymore, who played Little Edie in HBO’s “Grey Gardens.”

Irish-Australian actress Rose Byrne is up for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for her role in “Damages,” while Canadian born Irish-American acting favorite Michael J. Fox is nominated for his guest spot on “Rescue Me.”