U.S., U.K. shows top Banff nominations

TORONTO -- U.S. and British shows came up big as nominations for the Banff World Television Awards were unveiled Sunday.

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U.S. producers will dominate the best continuing drama category, with nods for ABC Studios' "Criminal Minds," and one each for Warner Bros. Television's "Fringe" and "The Closer." ITV Productions snagged a nomination for BBC's "The Street."

In the best comedy category, the Brits will put up ITV Studio's "FM: Last Night a DJ Saved My Life" against American contenders "Curb Your Enthusiasm" from HBO, ABC Studios' "Scrubs," and Warner Bros. Television's "Two and a Half Men."

Also contending in the juried comedy category is the Canadian sitcom "Little Mosque on the Prairie" from Westwind Pictures, and the Finnish series "Living It Up!" from Filmiteolissus Fine Ltd.

Elsewhere, the BBC will dominate the TV movie competition, with nominations for BBC Productions' "A Short Stay in Switzerland," "Five Minutes of Heaven" from Big Fish Films/Ruby Films, Origin Pictures' "Freefall" and "Margot" from Mammoth Screen.

They'll contend against HBO Films' "Taking Chance" and "London River" for ARTE France.

Canadian producer Frantic Films in the best lifestyle category garnered two nominations for separate episodes of " 'Til Debt Do Us Part," and a third nod for "Pitchin' In," to go up against BBC Scotland's "Jimmy's Food Factory," U.K. producer Dragonfly Film & Television's "Kill It, Cook It, Eat It" and Retirement Living TV's "The Florence Henderson Show."

The Banff World Television Festival is set to run June 13-16.

A full list of Banff World Television Awards nominees in 24 categories is available at banff2010.com.