Emmy Awards 2012: What time do the Emmys start?

By the end of the night, all of the awards for the 64th Primetime Emmy Awards will be handed out and the winners (and some of the losers, as well) will be out whooping it up at various parties across Hollywood till who knows when. But what time do the Emmys themselves start?

The Emmys, which are being handed out at the Nokia Theatre on Sunday, will begin at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and will be aired live across the country on ABC.

This year’s awards will feature Jimmy Kimmel hosting for the first time. Based on the ribbing he gives ABC during the network’s annual upfronts presentation every May, you can expect Kimmel’s act to be more mocking and less gentle than that of last year’s host, Jane Lynch.

BALLOT: Cast your votes for 2012 Emmy winners

The series competing in the best drama category include “Boardwalk Empire,” “Breaking Bad,” “Downton Abbey,” “Game of Thrones,” “Homeland” and “Mad Men.” The series competing in the best comedy category are “30 Rock,” “The Big Bang Theory,” “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” “Girls,” “Modern Family” and “Veep.”

HBO leads the networks with 81 nominations, but the two most nominated shows are AMC’s “Mad Men,” which won best drama series last year, and “American Horror Story,” the FX horror series from Ryan Murphy that is competing in the best miniseries or movie category. Both shows received 17 nominations apiece.

ALSO:

Parker Posey reveals the right way to accept an Emmy

Emmy predictions: Cranston and Louis C.K. primed for lead wins

Emmy predictions: Danes, Louis-Dreyfus head up lead actress races

Join Patrick Kevin Day on Google+ or Twitter. Email: patrick.day@latimes.com