A dozen openly gay performers receive Emmy nominations

Hollywood, CA - At least a dozen openly gay actors, presenters or directors were nominated for an Emmy Award on Thursday.

Zachary Quinto (American Horror Story: Asylum) and John Benjamin Hickey (The Big C: Hereafter) are competing in the Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Miniseries or Movie category. Sarah Paulson's portrayal of Lana Winters on FX's American Horror Story: Asylum earned her a supporting actress nomination.

Jim Parsons (The Big Bang Theory) received a nomination in the Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series category, while Jesse Tyler Ferguson (Modern Family) was nominated in the Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series category. For her performance on Glee, Jane Lynch received a supporting actress nomination.

Nathan Lane received two nominations for guest appearances on The Good Wife (drama) and Modern Family (comedy).

Competing against Lane in the Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series category is Dan Bucatinsky (Scandal).

In the Outstanding Host for a Reality or Reality-Competition Program, Cat Deeley (So You Think You Can Dance) received a nomination. Tim Gunn (Project Runway) shared a nomination in the category with co-host Heidi Klum.

Lily Tomlin received a nomination in the Outstanding Voice-Over Performance category for the HBO documentary An Apology to Elephants.

And in the Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series category, Paris Barclay (Glee) received a nomination.

In addition, Behind the Candelabra, the HBO film on the life of pianist Liberace, and Wish Me Away, the story of singer Chely Wright's coming out, received nominations.

(Related: Jerry Weintraub "thrilled" with Behind the Candelabra's 15 Emmy nominations)