Homer and Bart Simpson characters of the television programme The Simpsons pose in London July 25, 2007.[Agencies]

Prime-time cartoon favorite "The Simpsons," U.S. television's longest-running comedy, led the nominations announced on Monday for the Writers Guild of America's broadcasting awards.

"The Simpsons," airing on the News Corp.-owned Fox network for 19 seasons, was one of five nominees for best comedy series, along with two previous winners from NBC, "30 Rock" and "The Office," and two cable shows, HBO's "Entourage" and "Weeds" on Showtime.

Four episodes of "The Simpsons" were nominated separately in the category for best animation broadcasts.

The hit cartoon about a lazy, slow-witted family man named Homer Simpson has collected numerous Writers Guild awards in the animation category over the years, but this is the first time the show also has competed as best comedy series.

(Agencies/China Daily December 9, 2008)