Paul Mescal, star of Lenny Abrahamson-directed hit series Normal People, is officially in the running to win the Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie category at the 2020 Primetime Emmy Awards.

The 12-part series was co-written by Rooney and Alice Birch, has been a hit with viewers since airing on the BBC iPlayer, Hulu and RTÉ in April.

The actor, who portrayed the role of Connell Waldron in the show, based on Sally Rooney's novel of the same name, is nominated alongside fellow Irishman Jeremy Irons, Hugh Jackman, Jeremy Pope and Mark Ruffalo.

Irons received his nod for his part as Adrian Veidt (AKA Ozymandias) in Watchmen.

Hugh Jackman is nominated for portraying Frank Tassone's character in Bad Education, Pope for his talented take on Hollywood and Ruffalo for I Know This Much Is True.

Mescal has been launched onto the international stage since the show took off, and is now starring in the Lisa McGee-scribed Channel 5 drama The Deceived alongside Declan Rodgers, Frank Cannon and Emmett J Scanlan.

A heart-stopping performance. ❤️ Congratulations to @mescal_paul on his #Emmys nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie. #NormalPeople pic.twitter.com/6DV3GS50gS

— Normal People (@normalpeople) July 28, 2020