Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
The Nominees: Anna Gunn (Breaking Bad), Lena Headey (Game of Thrones), Joanne Froggatt (Downton Abbey), Christina Hendricks (Mad Men), Maggie Smith (Downton Abbey), Christine Baranski (The Good Wife)
The Winner: Lena Headey
She's not the queen for nothing! Headey as Queen Cersei Lannister on the juggernaut that is Game of Thrones is a performance that can not be matched by any of the other nominees in this category. Just her incredible wine consumption alone is a feat that deserves to be rewarded with a golden statue. That lady knows her way around a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc (All credit to Grantland's Andy Greenwald and Chris Ryan for that amazing running joke). Goblet-pouring skills aside, Headey has done incredible work with the character, making what should have been a melancholy, lifeless chambermaid into the most riveting, unpredictable woman in all the seven kingdoms.
The Top Challenger: Anna Gunn
Oh what a ride we the fans have taken with dear Skylar White. We hated on her, and hated on her some more, until she wrote an editorial in the New York Times reminding us that she is just an actress playing the character and that she is WAY too mature and self-confident to be affected by the evil depths of the Internet. Simply put, Gunn acted the shit out of that role and, not unlike Headey, took Mrs. Heisenberg to a level beyond what the writers probably even envisioned. So, to all the haters still out there, just shut up.
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series
The Nominees: Aaron Paul (Breaking Bad), Josh Charles (The Good Wife), Peter Dinklage (Game of Thrones), Jim Carter (Downton Abbey), Mandy Patinkin (Homeland), Jon Voight (Ray Donovan)
The Winner: Peter Dinklage
In my opinion, this one is no contest. Dinklage's portrayal of royal dwarf Tyrion Lannister during this past season of Game of Thrones was far superior to any performance turned in by the other nominees. Honestly, I don't think I can fairly make a case for Dinklage with just my words, so I'll let him do it. Enjoy.
The Top Challenger: Jon Voight
The Emmy's love themselves an established movie star who chooses to return to the small screen. Voight has received rave reviews from critics for his character Mickey Donovan, the psychotic, divisive father of Liev Schreiber's title character. If anyone can be the David to Dinklage's Goliath, my pick would be the Academy Award-winning Voight.
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series
The Nominees: Claire Danes (Homeland), Lizzy Caplan (Masters of Sex), Kerry Washington (Scandal), Julianne Margulies (The Good Wife), Robin Wright (
The Winner: Kerry Washington
This category was definitely the most difficult to pick, partly because there is no absolute standout performance from this bunch, and partly due to the fact that I don't watch any of these shows. If I were to go off ratings, which I will do, then Washington is the pick. It seems that any congregation of females age 35+ results in discussions about what each thought about Olivia Pope.
The Top Challenger: Lizzy Caplan
Upset Alert! Something tells me that the Emmy voters would love to show off their progressiveness with an award given to the critically adored and not-50-Shades-of-Grey-resembling Showtime hit "Masters of Sex". Caplan, along with co-lead Michael Sheen, have done exceptional work in causing "Masters" to surpass "Homeland" as Showtime's flagship drama.
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series
The Nominees: Bryan Cranston (Breaking Bad), Jon Hamm (Mad Men), Jeff Daniels (The Newsroom), Matthew McConaughey (True Detective), Woody Harrelson (True Detective), Kevin Spacey (House of Cards)
The Winner: Matthew McConaughey
Blasphemy! No Cranston for BB's final season?!?! Yeah, it happened. Rust Cohle was perhaps the most compelling television character ever created, and not even The One Who Knocks can measure up to Rust's BAMF status. Admittedly, it was extremely difficult for me to choose McConaughey over Cranston, or any of these guys for that matter. It was that loaded of a field. Well, I guess I had no trouble passing over Jeff Daniels (you already have one undeserved Emmy, stop being so greedy!). Ultimately, McConaughey's ability to make you believe, and almost agree with, every depressing, sometimes incoherent word he's saying is what puts him over the top.
The Top Challenger: Bryan Cranston
You know I had to do it for you (shout-out to Aubrey Graham). Obviously, Cranston has as good a shot as anyone, and probably still remains the favorite. This is his last opportunity to snag an Emmy for his pre-eminent role as Walter White, and his standout moments from these last 8 episodes, including his chilling "Tread lightly" scene, stack up favorably against any other nominees'. I would, however, like to devote at least a few words to commend Jon Hamm on yet another incredible season as Don Draper on "Mad Men" that he will receive no Emmy recognition once again for. Hopefully next year, when McConaughey and Cranston are both absent from this category, Hamm will hear his name called on the Emmy stage like he deserves to. Better late than never, right?
Outstanding Drama Series
The Nominees: Breaking Bad, Mad Men, Game of Thrones, House of Cards, Downton Abbey, True Detective
The Winner: Breaking Bad
It would be a true shame if Gilligan & Co. went home empty handed in this category. Outstanding Director and Writing awards would be nice, but this is the Big Kahuna that everyone wants. Just ask Samuel L. Jackson. If Breaking Bad does indeed win, it will most likely be as a celebration of the show in its entirety, but the final 8 episodes that are actually the ones under consideration for this year's award were among the finest in the show's five-season run. I doubt you would see many complaints among those in the industry if Heisenberg's swan song, not to be confused with his actual song, is rewarded with an Emmy.
The Top Challenger: Game of Thrones/True Detective
This may seem like a cop-out to you, but I truly couldn't decide between these two titans for the honor of Most Likely to Cause Vince Gilligan to Flip Off the Camera. GoT was undeniably phenomenal this past season, from the first time Oberyn Martell shows his face in the premiere, to when his face is shown scattered along the floor of the royal arena later in the season (I couldn't resist), and right on through to the Battle on the Wall. Season 4 should and very possibly will be recognized by the Emmy's as TV's best over the past year. On the other hand, DID YOU SEE THAT ENDING TO EPISODE 4 OF TRUE DETECTIVE?!?!?! Those heart-stopping 6 minutes alone should really win every award there is. Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series, Outstanding Writing for a Miniseries, even Outstanding Directing for a Variety Series, all should go to True Detective creator and director Nic Pizzolatto and Cary Joji Fukunaga, respectively. Those magical 8 episodes may have came and went faster than Marty Hart charging into an ill-advised brawl, but they were unlike anything else on television. I mean, #TrueDetectiveSeason2 becomes trending on Twitter after every time Pizzolatto leaves his house. A force like that can't go unnoticed at Emmy night.
*Bonus Predictions/My-fingers-are-crossed-for-these-outcomes!
Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series - Vince Gilligan for "Felina", Breaking Bad
Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series - Neil Marshall for "The Watchers on the Wall, Game of Thrones
Outstanding Comedy Series - Veep
Outstanding Miniseries - American Horror Story: Coven
Outstanding Variety Series - The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon
1-10 Rating of Host Seth Meyers - 9
Final Notes: I hope everyone enjoys tonight's ceremony as much as I will, and RIP Robin Williams. The Emmy's would do well to put together a fitting tribute to you.
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