SHERLOCK actor Martin Freeman has eclipsed his co-star Benedict Cumberbatch after being nominated for two Emmy awards.

The star, nominated for his role as Dr Watson and for his work in US mini-series Fargo, is one of a host of UK names among the nominees.

His performance as Lester Nygaard in Fargo, based on the hit film of the same name, has earned him a nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor In A Mini-series Or A Movie. Other nominees in the category include Cumberbatch, for Sherlock, Chiwetel Ejiofor, for the BBC drama Dancing On The Edge, and Idris Elba, nominated for Luther.

Freeman's performance as Watson has also earned him another nomination - for Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Miniseries Or A Movie.

The awards will be handed out at a Los Angeles ceremony on 25 August 2014.