CANNES, France, Oct 13, 2008 (AFP) - Nominations for television's international Emmy awards are growing increasingly global with TV newcomers Russia and China on Monday joining the ranks of the audiovisual heavyweights.

The 2008 nominations for the television world's equivalent of the Oscars, which were announced Monday, span 16 countries, with a record three nominations for China, and first-ever nominations for Jordan and Peru.

'Every year, the International Emmy awards put the spotlight on the best international television, and, increasingly, we recognise programmes that are soon-to-be hit shows around the world, including the United States,' Emmy academy president Bruce L. Paisner told a press conference.

The nominations, which exclude US productions, were announced on the opening day of the prestigious MIPCOM audiovisual entertainment trade show taking place in this southern French city.

The competition takes place over six months with three rounds of judging and participation from over 600 judges in 50 countries.

Though Britain leads with eight nominations, Brazil collected five, including one for best documentary.

Asian TV is in a strong position to win a record number of Emmy honours with a total of eight nominations. These include three nominations, two for Best Actor and Best Actress, for China, which is building a growing reputation for producing international TV stars.

Chinese actress Yuan Zhibo was nominated for her role in China Movie Channel's film 'Wait for the Birth of the Husband', which was also nominated for best TV movie/mini-series and has already notched up success around some of Europe's film festivals.

A new Telenovela category has also been introduced, reflecting the growing appetite worldwide for the Latin American-inspired love stories that achieved international success with 'Ugly Betty'.

The global appeal of love is also reflected in the countries nominated for this category. Russia's AMEDIA/Sony Pictures Television International was nominated for 'One Night of Love', whilst Jordan's Arab Telemedia Productions also picked up one for 'The Invasion Igtiyah'.

And the future for Peru's first-ever nomination, 'Mi Problema con las Mujeres (My Problem with Women)', in the comedy category, looks promising with Justin Timberlake reportedly making a pilot of the show for the US.

The winners will be announced at a glitzy black tie ceremony in New York on November 24, hosted by Elisabeth Murdoch, TV executive and daughter of media mogul Rupert Murdoch.