Emmy Awards 2013: Michelle Dockery and Benedict Cumberbatch thwarted by US talent

Downton Abbey's Maggie Smith and Helen Mirren go home empty-handed

Michelle Dockery attends the 2013 Emmy Awards (Getty Images)

It wasn't a vintage night for British talent at last night’s Emmy Awards following losses in the major categories for the UK’s top stars and shows.

Downton Abbey took home the gong for Outstanding Music Composition for a second consecutive year, but it was trounced in the rest of its 11 categories by the cream of American drama.

Hugh Bonneville, Dame Maggie Smith and Michelle Dockery all went home empty-handed, as did Homeland star Damian Lewis.

Click here for the list of winners in full

However, Bonneville, who lost out in the Lead Actor in a Drama Series category to The Newsroom's Jeff Daniels, said at a pre-show party that he hadn’t expected to win.

"I don't think the pressure is on me, frankly," he said.

"I feel slightly embarrassed to have been nominated alongside these amazing actors and much as I love the others I hope it is Bryan Cranston's year because that show has been phenomenal and his performance has been extraordinary.

"He is a great actor, as are the others, but I think it's Breaking Bad's year."

Presenter Cat Deeley was nominated in the Outstanding Host For a Reality Programme category, but the presenter of So You Think You Can Dance saw Project Runway’s Heidi Klum waltz off with the award.

Heavyweight talents Benedict Cumberbatch and Helen Mirren also suffered snubs in the TV Miniseries or Movie acting categories for their roles in Parade's End and Phil Spector respectively.

But the London 2012 Olympic Games Opening Ceremony managed to triumph, taking the Outstanding Art Direction award in the variety programming category.

British screenwriter Abi Morgan also won an Emmy for BBC Two's recently-axed drama The Hour.