The annual awarding of U.S. television's highest honors has begun, as the Emmy Awards show gets underway in Los Angeles, California.

This year Grey's Anatomy, a medical drama, and 24, an espionage thriller, are favored to win the coveted Emmy for best drama. Another medical show, `House', the mob drama, Sopranos and the political West Wing are also competing. If West Wing wins an award it would become the prime time drama with the most Emmy awards ever.

Conan O'Brien

In the contest for best comedy, The Office is favored.

This year's award ceremony, the 58th, is being hosted by late night comedy star Conan O' Brien. Awards will be given in 27 categories.

The Emmy award show, itself, airing on NBC, may not be a winner since it is facing stiff competition from programming on other networks.