"Sherlock" cast Benedict Cumberbatch was a frontrunner in the 2014 Emmy nominations as he faces of with his co-star in the BBC series, Martin Freeman.

According to RadioTimes, "Sherlock" cast Benedict Cumberbatch will go head-to-head against Martin Freeman, who plays Dr. John Watson in the BBC series, for the lead actor in a miniseries or movie category.

Martin Freeman was nominated for his performance as Lester Nygaard in "Fargo." His portryal of Dr. John Watson was also acknowledged in the 2014 Emmy nominations for outstanding supporting actor in a miniseries or a movie.

Both "Sherlock" star Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman will also be competing with Idris Elba for "Luther," Chiwetel Ejiofor for "Dancing on the Edge," Mark Ruffalo for "The Normal Heart" and Billy Bob Thornton for "Fargo."

The 2014 Emmy nominations was called by Forbes as a "British invasion" since of the six nominations for lead actor in a miniseries or movie went to the British, like Benedict Cumberbatch, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Idris Elba and Martin Freeman.

"Before we get out the Union Jack bunting, we must also remember that it is Americans, not Brits, who vote for the winners," Neil Midgley wrote for Forbes, adding that if the British viewers were allowed to vote, "Sherlock" cast Benedict Cumberbatch "would win hands down."

"Sherlock" cast Benedict Cumberbatch will return to BBC for the fourth season of the hit show. Creator Steven Moffat promised three new episodes plus a special stand-alone episode.

According to Variety, the production for "Sherlock" special episode will begin in January 2015. The three other episodes will start later next year.

"It's a record-breaking run! Of course, it's far too early to say what's coming, but we're reasonably confident that the very next thing to happen to Sherlock (Benedict Cumberbatch) and John (Martin Freeman) is the very last thing you'd expect," he told the magazine.