Damian Lewis and Claire Danes helped propel US drama Homeland to the dominant position at the Emmy awards, as the show took six gongs.

Lewis took the Outstanding Actor In A Drama Series prize for his role as US soldier Nicholas Brody, who is saved from a hostage situation in the Middle East, but sparks the suspicions of the FBI who think he may have been "turned" and could present a terrorist threat on home soil.

His award kicked off a golden night for the series, which beat Downton Abbey, Mad Men and others to win best Drama Series.

Lewis' co-star Claire Danes won the award for Outstanding Actress In A Drama Series for her portrayal of mentally disturbed FBI agent Carrie Mathison, beating competition from Downton Abbey's Michelle Dockery among others.