The Banff World Television Festival announced nominees for its 28th annual awards, formerly - and still colloquially - known as the Rockies. More than 800 entries from 38 countries in 20 categories were narrowed down to the final list of nominees. Winners will be announced June 11.

In the comedy category, nominees are the UK's Green Wing and The Vicar of Dibley; from the United States, Knights of Prosperity; and from Canada, Little Mosque on the Prairie and the Rick Mercer Report. Competing for best continuing series are, from the United States, Brothers and Sisters, Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip, and The Wire; from the UK, The Street; and from Canada, Les hauts et les bas de Sophie Paquin. A complete list of nominees in all categories is available on the BWTVF website.

The Banff festival attracts industry insiders from Canada and beyond to attend Master Classes, panel sessions, and one-on-one networking opportunities. This year's speakers include writers and producers such as Carol Mendelsohn of CSI, Greg Daniels of The Office and King of the Hill, Rob Thomas of Veronica Mars, Mike Clattenburg of Trailer Park Boys, Jenji Kohan of Weeds, and Ben Silverman of Ugly Betty and The Office. Respected and prolific Canadian actor Colm Feore will speak as well as be presented with the NBC Universal Canada Award of Distinction.

One of the most prominent features of the festival are the pitching sessions, which provide the opportunity for development money  to creators and producers. Deadlines for those sessions are scattered throughout the month of April.

The Banff World Television Festival takes place in the spectacular Canadian Rocky Mountains from June 10-13, 2007.