HBO wins eight early Emmys

Led by its historical miniseries “John Adams,” HBO jumped out to an early lead in the 60th annual prime-time Emmy Awards.

“John Adams” picked up eight Emmys at the Creative Arts ceremonies held Saturday night at the Nokia Theatre, and HBO won eight more -- including best variety, music or comedy special for “Mr. Warmth: The Don Rickles Project” -- for a total of 16. ABC and PBS trailed with nine each, and CBS collected eight.

“The Simpsons” and “South Park” won Emmys in the animation categories, and “American Masters” and “This American Life” shared the honor of best nonfiction series. “Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List” was chosen best reality program.

Awards in the major acting, writing and directing categories will be handed out Sunday in ceremonies that will be broadcast on ABC.