The Emmys: Best Actors for drama
The Emmys are nearly here (Sunday at 8 p.m. on NBC/4), and each day this week, we'll take a look at the big categories and nominees. Today, it's best actor and actress in a drama.
THE ACTRESSES
Glenn Close, "Damages" - The favorite, if only because she won the past two years, but only once in the history of the Emmys has an actress won this category three straight times - Tyne Daly, "Cagney & Lacey" (1983, '84, '85). I'd look for an upset Sunday.
Connie Britton, "Friday Night Lights" - Not usually an auspicious sign when someone is nominated so deep into a show's run, but Britton is the real dark horse here, and could pull a surprise.
Julianna Margulies, "The Good Wife" - Margulies won for best supporting actress her first year on "ER" and now, a nod for her first year on "Wife." Maybe that's a good omen, maybe not, but she is still considered this year's front-runner.
Kyra Sedgwick, "The Closer" - Brenda Johnson keeps coming back. This is Sedgwick's fifth straight nomination. And still, nada.
January Jones, "Mad Men" - Jones had a good season, but this simply doesn't feel like enough for a winning entry.
Mariska Hargitay, "Law & Order: SVU" - Like Sedgwick, an Emmy-night fixture. This is her sixth straight nod with one win (2006). She's a long shot.
THE ACTORS
Jon Hamm, "Mad Men" - The Emmys aren't usually in the habit of awarding best actor to the lead in the series that just won best drama, but it does happen - most recently in 2006 with "24" and Kiefer Sutherland. Hamm feels about due.
Bryan Cranston, "Breaking Bad" - The last time an actor won three straight in this category was 1966-68 - Bill Cosby in "I Spy." Since Cranston won the past two years, odds are we'll have a new winner Sunday.
Matthew Fox, "Lost" - Fox had a great run on a classic series, but in a sense, this is a sentimental pick - and Emmy voters are as sentimental as dental surgeons. I suspect many would love this win, but Emmy isn't in the habit of pleasing the hoi polloi.
Michael C. Hall, "Dexter" - It's hard to imagine a scenario that would finally put Hall at the front of the line - even with a particularly strong fourth season. At least he won a Golden Globe.
Kyle Chandler, "Friday Night Lights" - After four seasons, finally Emmy recognition. Better late than never. Like co-star Connie Britton, a dark horse, and sentimental fave.
Hugh Laurie, "House" - A victory would be a major surprise because voters would have to justify him over Hall or Cranston.
