“The Sopranos,” the mob series that went to its grave with a shockingly inconclusive finale, found a happy ending yesterday with 15 Emmy nominations including best drama.

James Gandolfini, who played the emotionally conflicted mob boss on HBO’s “The Sopranos,” and Edie Falco, who played his wife, both received top acting nominations.

The other best-drama series were “Boston Legal,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” “House,” and freshman sci-fi sensation “Heroes.”

The made-for-TV movie “Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee” led all nominees with 17 bids.

Another freshman hit, “Ugly Betty,” based on a Colombian telenovela, was honored with a nomination for best comedy series nominees. It’s joined by “Entourage,” “30 Rock,” “Two and a Half Men,” and last year’s winner in the category, “The Office.”

“Ugly Betty” star America Ferrera was recognized with a nomination for her starring role.

Joining Mr. Gandolfini among lead drama series actor nominees were Hugh Laurie of “House,” Denis Leary of “Rescue Me,” James Spader of “Boston Legal,” and last year’s winner, Kiefer Sutherland of “24.” Mr. Sutherland’s show took the prize for best drama series last year, but flagging ratings and critical approval left it out of the running this time around.

Ms. Falco will compete with Patricia Arquette of “Medium,” Minnie Driver of “The Riches,” Sally Field of “Brothers & Sisters,” Kyra Sedgwick of “The Closer,” and last year’s winner, Mariska Hargitay of “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.”

Ms. Sedgwick got the news immediately. She helped announce bids for the 59th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards in a ceremony at the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences’ Leonard H. Goldenson Theatre.

“Friday Night Lights,” the critically acclaimed but low-rated high school football drama that needed an Emmy boost, failed to gain major nominations.

“The Sopranos,” which premiered in January 1999 and had an on-and-off cable run, capped its final episode this year with an ambiguous ending that left fans in the dark about the fate of lead character Tony Soprano, last seen sitting in a diner with his wife and children. A suddenly black screen suggested sudden violence — or not.

The series’ other nominees included Michael Imperioli, who received a bid for best supporting dramatic actor for his role as the ill-fated Christopher Moltisanti. Aida Turturro, who played Tony’s tough sister Janice, and Lorraine Bracco, who co-starred as his conflicted psychiatrist, Dr. Melfi, were nominated in the supporting actress category.