Emmys 2014: Julia Louis-Dreyfus wins lead actress in a comedy series

Julia Louis-Dreyfus won her third consecutive Emmy for lead actress in a comedy for her portrayal of the sharp-tongued and ambitious Selina Meyer, the fictional vice president of the United States, in HBO’s “Veep,” beating out a formidable field that included a few repeat winners.

The role earned an Emmy for the actress the previous two years. She also won in the category in 2006 for “The New Adventures of Old Christine.” She also was nominated this year as a producer of “Veep,” a candidate for best comedy series.

EMMYS 2014: Full coverage | Top winners/nominees | Show highlights | Red carpet arrivals | Show recap | Quotes from the stars | Best and worst | Winners room | Complete list

The actress won a supporting actress Emmy for “Seinfeld” in 1996.

In addition to “Veep,” Louis-Dreyfus won acclaim for her starring role in the romantic comedy “Enough Said,” which paired her with the late James Gandolfini.

------------

FOR THE RECORD

An earlier version of this post said Louis-Dreyfus won a supporting actress Emmy in 2006.

------------

Louis-Dreyfus beat out other past winners in the category: Melissa McCarthy (“Mike and Molly”) and Edie Falco (“Nurse Jackie”). Also nominated were Lena Dunham (“Girls”), Amy Poehler (“Parks and Recreation”) and Taylor Schilling (“Orange Is the New Black”).

Hosted by Seth Meyers, the 66th Primetime Emmy Awards are being held at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles, and the show is airing live on NBC.