Los Angeles, US: ‘Game of Thrones’ was poised to become the most decorated fictional show in history at television’s star-studded 68^th Emmy Awards Sunday, which took on a decidedly political flavour, with Donald Trump the target.

HBO’s fantasy epic series—which is in the running in five categories - was on the verge of passing the record of 37 held by long-running sitcom ‘Frasier.’

Prize for best writing and best directing put the drama at 37 total Emmys over the years, with a few awards to go.

But ‘The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story’ also glittered, picking up five awards in the first half of the three-hour event in downtown Los Angeles.

‘If your show doesn’t have a dragon or a white bronco in it, go home right now,’ host Jimmy Kimmel joked, a reference to ‘Thrones’ and the infamous car Simpson was in when he went on a wild ride through Los Angeles before his arrest.

‘Thrones,’ HBO’s saga about noble families vying for control of the Iron Throne is the odds-on favourite in the coveted best drama category that will end the night, according to Gold Derby, a website pooling experts’ awards predictions.

It is also the odds-on favourite in the supporting actor category.

If the prize-giving goes as expected, ‘Game of Thrones’ would be the most-awarded narrative series since the first Television Academy prize-giving in 1949.

‘It’s going to take home at least three trophies, and break the record,’ Debra Birnbaum, executive editor for TV at entertainment industry magazine Variety, told AFP.

The all-time Emmy list of winners—which includes nonfiction—is topped by NBC comedy sketch show ‘Saturday Night Live,’ with 45 awards, one of them handed out Sunday to Kate McKinnon for best supporting actress.

Emmy milestone for Louis-Dreyfus

The festivities began in the late afternoon—under clear, sunny skies—with the usual red-carpet parade by the stars.

Ex-presidential hopeful Jeb Bush made a surprise appearance as a limo driver in a televised opening joke sequence, asking host Jimmy Kimmel what it’s like to be nominated.

Several stars took aim at Trump, either in prepared jokes or in acceptance speeches.

‘I want everyone to know that after careful consideration, I decided I’m going with Trump—which is why I’m saying we should get rid of all Hispanic and Muslim actors,’ said award-winning comedian and writer Aziz Ansari.

In the best actress in a comedy category, Julia Louis-Dreyfus won a fifth consecutive Emmy for her role as the hapless acting president on HBO’s ‘Veep.’

‘I would like to dedicate this to my father who passed away on Friday, and I’m so glad that he liked ‘Veep’ because his opinion was the one that really mattered,’ she said in an emotional tribute, her voice breaking.

The award for best actor in a comedy went for the second year in a row to Jeffrey Tambor for ‘Transparent,’ who pleaded with producers and directors to give transgender talent a chance in television.

Glory for ‘People v. O.J. Simpson’

FX’s ‘The People v. O.J. Simpson’ had 13 nominations—more than any other show—in multiple categories at the start of the night. Having already won four technical Emmys, its total stood at nine.

Its victory for best limited series was the most widely predicted win while Sarah Paulson and Courtney B. Vance were rewarded in the lead acting categories for their acclaimed portrayals of sparring attorneys Marcia Clarke and Johnnie Cochran.

Sterling K. Brown took home a statuette for his supporting actor role, while D.V. DeVincentis was recognized for the show’s writing.

‘Playing a real person, you want to get it right for them,’ said Paulson.

‘And the more I learned about Marcia Clark, who dedicated herself to righting an unconscionable wrong, I’m glad to be able to stand here today in front of everyone and tell you, I’m sorry,’ she said, apologizing for having initially misjudged the lawyer.

FX’s acclaimed spy drama ‘The Americans’ could pull some surprises, with Matthew Rhys and Keri Russell seen as popular outside bets for best actor and actress in a drama.

Russell is running third in the betting for tightest race of the night, with Robin Wright (‘House of Cards’) expected possibly to squeak past last year’s victor Viola Davis (‘How to Get Away with Murder’).

‘There is almost as much drama in the race for best drama actor,’ said Gold Derby editor Tom O’Neil.

‘Like Robin Wright, her co-star Kevin Spacey has never won an Emmy, but now he has decent odds to break through—7/2. However, ‘Mr. Robot’ star Rami Malek leads with 8/11 odds.’