In pictures: Brits shimmer at Emmy Awards

British acting talent was celebrated last night at the Emmy Awards in Los Angeles, with two Brits bringing home gongs.

Dame Maggie Smith won best supporting actress for her role in ITV1's Downton Abbey, whilst Damien Lewis won for his role in Homeland.

Damien Lewis won the outstanding actor in a drama series for his role as US Solider Nicholas Brody. His award kicked off a golden night for the series, which beat Downton Abbey, Mad Men and others to win the best drama Emmy.

Lewis's co-star Claire Danes won the award for outstanding actress in a drama series for her portrayal of FBI agent Carrie Mathison, beating competition from Downton's Michelle Dockery.

Despite being nominated for a total of nine awards Dame Maggie Smith picked up Downton Abbey's only award of the evening.

Julianne Morre won outstanding lead actress for playing Sarah Palin in the TV movie Game Change. Accepting her award she said:

Armando Iannucci didn't pick up a gong for his sitcom Veep, which lost to US sitcom Modern Family, but leading lady Julia-Louis Dreyfus picked up the award for outstanding leading actress in a comedy series. Veep has been recommissioned for a second season.

Cat Keeley attended the glitzy ceremony with Irish funny man Patrick Kielty. She was nominated for an Emmy for outstanding reality show host, but was beaten by Dancing with the Stards host Tom Bergeron.

Ricky Gervais presented the award for Directing in a Variety special.