TV Feature: If I Had an Emmy Ballot 2013

CHICAGO – With Emmy ballots due this Friday and the natural human tendency to procrastinate, I’m betting a lot of you Academy members are still sweating some tough decisions this year. Let me help.

Last year saw the hazing of a number of new dramas and comedies into the Emmy frat, including “Veep,” “Girls,” “American Horror Story,” “Homeland,” “New Girl,” and more. I expect less new blood this season as 2012-13 wasn’t as strong as the year before in its freshman class and some of the programs that really did deliver did so in ways that could net them a single nod or maybe two but are doubtful to make them major players. In fact, comedy newcomers are almost non-existent. The biggest game-changer in those categories is technically a program that isn’t a newcomer although wasn’t eligible last year or most of the decade before it — Netflix’s “Arrested Development.” The biggest story could be the new players in the Emmy game — Netflix & The Sundance Channel, both deserving of multiple nominations.

For Drama, I’d love to see FX’s “The Americans,” A&E’s “Bates Motel,” Sundance’s “Rectify,” and NBC’s “Hannibal” get some love. I’m getting ahead of myself. Category by category with details for comedies and dramas and just the dream picks for movie/mini-series & guest performers.

OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES

Chris Pratt of Parks and Recreation Photo credit: NBC

I’ve toyed with suggesting this in the past but this year I’m going to beg — please give someone else a chance before they rename this category The Modern Family Award. I like the guys on ABC’s overrated sitcom. They’re all very talented and often elevate the increasingly repetitive writing of that program. If you have to pick one, go with Ty Burrell. Let the other three guys take a year off from prepping speeches and secretly wishing loss on each other. They will thank you and it wil allow some of the other talented comedy ensembles a representative or maybe even two.

Is there another show that deserves more than one Supporting Actor nominee? Funny you ask. The comedy ensemble of NBC’s “Parks and Recreation” is the best on TV. No contest. While snubs articles have been toplined by Nick Offerman’s absence in the past, I think Ron Swanson should be joined this year by Chris Pratt, who seems to improve his comic timing with every episode. He had a fantastic season. (I’d be happy with Aziz Ansari too but let’s be reasonable).

That’s two spots down for the “Parks” guys, four to go. I like Donald Glover and Danny Pudi on “Community” quite a bit but the show was so off its game in its Dan Harmon-less fourth season that you won’t find it in any category this year. NBC needs to be punished for that decision and it would be downright silly for “Community” to get its first acting nod for its worst season. Other ensemble stand-outs whose show misses the cut altogether include Max Greenfield for “New Girl,” Neil Patrick Harris for “How I Met Your Mother,” John Pankow for “Episodes,” Mike White & Luke Wilson for “Enlightened,” and the great Adam Pally from the too-soon-cancelled “Happy Endings.”

We still have four spots to fill. Netflix is submitting everyone but Jason Bateman and Portia De Rossi in the supporting categories for “Arrested Development” and Will Arnett, David Cross, or Jeffrey Tambor would make an excellent choice. I’d go with Cross but be just as happy with Arnett. The only cast member not submitted by Netflix for “AD” is the great Tony Hale, excellent as Buster Bluth but even better on HBO’s “Veep” (and so he asked to not be submitted for both shows as to not compete with himself).

Last year, I railed against the exclusion of the great Adam Driver of “Girls” but I actually think his co-star, Alex Karpovsky, was more interesting this season. He’s great.

Finally, we really should say goodbye to one of the more talented “Saturday Night Live” stars of the last two decades in Bill Hader. The temptation may be strong to nominate Jason Sudeikis or Fred Armisen as well, as they are both departing, or even to jump on the Seth Meyers bandwagon but Hader is the most talented of the four gentlemen whose departure makes Lorne Michaels cry on a nightly basis.

David Cross, “Arrested Development”
Bill Hader, “Saturday Night Live”
Tony Hale, “Veep”
Alex Karpovsky, “Girls”
Nick Offerman, “Parks and Recreation”
Chris Pratt, “Parks and Recreation”

OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A COMEDY SERIES

Jessica Walter of Arrested Development Photo credit: Netflix

Of course, it’s tempting to just work from the category above and offer the female counterparts to those talented gentlemen. However, I’m going to start with a reversal. Maybe it’s because they only take up a third of the category instead of a majority of it but I would cast votes for both “Modern Family” ladies, the performers who I think had the best season overall this past year on the show. Whatever one may say about the writing on ABC’s juggernaut, Julie Bowen & Sofia Vergara are great in it.

It leaves us with four spots and this category needs some shaking up. Let’s go with four new nominees. Who does that exclude who is at least worth a “runner-up” mention? The ladies of “The Big Bang Theory” (Mayim Bialik & Kaley Cuoco) are the best reason to watch that program nowadays, I’d be fine with a Jane Krakowski send-off for “30 Rock,” and Cloris Leachman rules on “Raising Hope.” None had quite strong enough seasons this year.

Two spots for the “Modern Family” stars, still four spots left. The sad thing is that a lot of great performances in this category are on shows that just don’t get Emmy attention — Katie Aselton carries “The League,” Cheryl Hines rocks on “Suburgatory,” and Merritt Wever rules on “Nurse Jackie.” All three ladies on ABC’s cancelled “Happy Endings,” especially Elisha Cuthbert, deserve consideration, but don’t quite make my list.

If the writers at “SNL” knew how to use them better, Kate McKinnon & Cecily Strong would make good choices here. They’re both incredibly talented and future late night stars. They’ll get nominated in the future if the writing improves.

We have to include a star of “Girls,” HBO’s breakthrough comedy. Last year, I suggested Alison Williams but this year I’d go with Zosia Mamet, a young actress who brings a different energy to comedy.

Speaking of different energy, the most underrated sitcom on television is ABC’s “The Middle,” a smart comedy that has reached “Roseanne” levels of capturing middle-class life around the family dinner table. With her fearless work as Sue Heck, Eden Sher deserves to represent the entire ensemble with a nod.

That leaves two spots, one for a newcomer and one for a veteran returning to her form. Jessica Walter can do more with a withering glance than most actresses can do with an entire script. And then there’s Laura Benanti on the too-soon-canceled “Go On.” The show was far from great but she really grounded it in the second half of the seaon. There’s no way she gets a nod in real life but this is a dream ballot. Let me dream, dammit.

Laura Benanti, “Go On”
Julie Bowen, “Modern Family”
Zosia Mamet, “Girls”
Eden Sher, “The Middle”
Sofia Vergara, “Modern Family”
Jessica Walter, “Arrested Development”

OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES

Jason Bateman of Arrested Development Photo credit: Netflix

Once again, a little space. So many great recent comedies have become driven by ensemble or actresses that the days of the male-driven comedy show seem to be coming to an end. Carell is gone. This is Baldwin’s last shot at a nod (and he deserves one). While some categories this year produces literally dozens of worthwhile possibilities, this is actually a tough category to fill.

First, I’m not on board with the consistent adoration levied at the CBS guys and so let’s take a pass at Johnny Galecki, Jim Parsons, and Jon Cryer. All good, none great. Heck, I’d be happier to see Josh Radnor here as he had an excellent year on “How I Met Your Mother”. But he doesn’t make the cut either.

Quality comedy actors to consider from cable include Jim Jefferies for “Legit,” Elijah Wood for “Wilfred,” Don Cheadle for “House of Lies,” and Matt LeBlanc for “Episodes.”

Other than Baldwin, who should return from last year? When I suggested Louis C.K. demanded nomination for “Louie,” I had my doubts that it would actually happen and was so pleasantly surprised when it did. He should get in again this year.

While his episodes may not have been the best, “Arrested Development” is grounded by the work of Jason Bateman. He needs a nomination.

Three open spots — I like Joel McHale on “Community” but the show didn’t work this season. Adam Scott had his best season on “Parks and Recreation” and Matthew Perry deserved longer to develop “Go On.” I’d nominate ‘em both. Finally, Jake Johnson has been moved from supporting to lead for “New Girl.” Last year, they nominated Schmidt. This year, let’s give Nick a shot.

Alec Baldwin, “30 Rock”
Jason Bateman, “Arrested Development”
Louis C.K., “Louie”
Jake Johnson, “New Girl”
Matthew Perry, “Go On”
Adam Scott, “Parks and Recreation”

OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTRESS IN A COMEDY SERIES

Julia Louis-Dreyfus for Veep Photo credit: HBO

While Lead Actor is slight, Lead Actress is stacked with talent. Too bad so much of it is on shows no one watches. While I think Beth Behrs & Kat Dennings are good on “2 Broke Girls,” they’re not given the material to work with to merit an Emmy nod. And they’re the only ones in here really getting the ratings.

FOX has produced a very strong string of Lead Actress candidates in Zooey Deschanel (“New Girl”), Martha Plimpton (“Raising Hope”), and Mindy Kaling (“The Mindy Project”). In lesser years, I’d be fine with all three of those. Not this year.

Jane Levy has improved on “Suburgatory,” a send-off nod to Mary-Louise Parker for “Weeds” is worth considering, and I thought Krysten Ritter was easily the best thing about ABC’s cancelled “Don’t Trust the B——”.

Those runner-ups excluded, it leaves seven very strong candidates. I wish I could expand this category by one to make room for Patricia Heaton, a comedy actress with perfect timing on “The Middle.” Next year she can take the spot from Tina Fey, who deserves one final nod, or Laura Dern, who should arguably win this category for what she did this year on HBO’s last season of “Enlightened.”

Dern’s closest competition for not just the deserved nod but the deserved win is her network-mate, the amazing Julia-Louis Drefyus. She won last year for “Veep” and she was better this season. Another HBO actress, Lena Dunham, will and should join her for the breakthrough work she does on “Girls.”

Dern, Dunham, Fey, and JLD — two spots left. Edie Falco should be nominated every time she plays a role. I’m not really kidding. In any conversation of the best actresses in TV history, Falco must be present. And finally there’s the always-great Amy Poehler, who drives the best comedy on network TV.

Laura Dern, “Enlightened”
Lena Dunham, “Girls”
Edie Falco, “Nurse Jackie”
Tina Fey, “30 Rock”
Julia Louis-Dreyfus, “Veep”
Amy Poehler, “Parks and Recreation”

OUTSTANDING COMEDY SERIES

Enlightened Photo credit: HBO

(Note: The series categories actually allow for 10 votes but that’s a bit unfocused. You don’t have to vote for 10 so I’m just going to suggest the big 6 that I hope get nominated here and in drama and movie/mini-series.)

For years now, the best dramas have been slowly moving to cable but comedy has remained a strong weapon in the networks’ arsenal. Sure, AMC had “Mad Men” and HBO has dominated drama for over a decade but NBC and ABC carried comedy categories with shows like “30 Rock,” “The Office,” and “Modern Family.” Times they are a-changin’. Even comedy now is swinging to cable as only 2 of my dream 6 nominees come courtesy of the big 5 broadcast nets. Emmy voters, try to get ahead of the curve. Notice that comedy writing is better than network drags like “The Big Bang Theory,” “Glee,” “Two and a Half Men,” or “The Office.”

It’s not to say that there aren’t worthy runner-ups on the nets although many of those are disappearing as well. “30 Rock” should get a final nod but it will be gone next year and NBC canceled “Go On” and ABC made the title of “Happy Endings” ironic before either smart program could develop an audience. ABC has strong contenders in the great “The Middle” and the good “Modern Family” while FOX has “New Girl” and “Raising Hope,” both underrated programs.

In the world of cable, Showtime has “Episodes” and “Nurse Jackie” to consider and I’d be very happy if HBO’s “Veep” gets a nomination but it’s not the best HBO comedy. It’s not even second best. “Enlightened” and “Girls” deserve nods more and there’s just no room for three HBO shows.

Few shows defy genre expectations more than “Louie,” the program that not only deserves a nod here but should win. If you don’t nominate it, I can give you a sneak peek of the #1 for my “Biggest Emmy Snubs” piece.

There is one great network comedy left — NBC’s “Parks and Recreation,” a program that just gets smarter and funnier every season.

Finally, there’s proof that perhaps it isn’t cable that will house the best comedies of the future but something new — Netflix’s “Arrested Development.” No matter what you think of the results, the team behind “AD” challenged expectations, turning their very form on its head by messing with its structure. They’re doing something new in comedy. The networks need to pay attention. And so do Emmy voters.

“Arrested Development” (Netflix)
“Enlightened” (HBO)
“Girls” (HBO)
“Louie” (FX)
“Parks and Recreation” (NBC)
“30 Rock” (NBC)

Go on to Page 2 for the drama categories…

OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES

Bobby Cannavale for Boardwalk Empire Photo credit: HBO

This category makes me cry. It may be the most loaded-with-talent category in the history of the Emmys. You best take this one seriously Emmy voters. And even if you do, you’re going to exclude some talented guys. I’m sorry. It’s a classic lose-win-lose-win-lose-cry.

How crowded is Supporting Actor? I’d be incredibly happy if these were the big six…

Noah Emmerich, “The Americans”
Walton Goggins, “Justified”
Freddie Highmore, “Bates Motel”
John Noble, “Fringe”
Mandy Patinkin, “Homeland”
Sam Waterston, “The Newsroom”

…and yet none would make my actual ballot for 2012-13 if I had one. It’s hard to believe. They’re all GREAT — candidates to win in lesser years much less even be considered for nomination. Heck, the tier right below them including people like Vincent Kartheiser & John Slattery for “Mad Men” and everyone not named Aaron Paul on “Breaking Bad” (Jonathan Banks, Dean Norris, Bob Odenkirk, and RJ Mitte) is stacked with talent. If you need any proof of the level of performer being drawn to dramatic television, you need look no further than this category.

Who rises to the top? Someone from “Breaking Bad” needs to represent arguably the best drama on TV and that should clearly be the great Aaron Paul. I like the idea of a send-off nomination for Banks given the fate of his character but it wasn’t his best season overall and it would be pushing out a better candidate due to sentimentality.

I know I said no sentimentality for Banks but let’s have a little for Michael Cudlitz, an actor who delivered every season on TNT’s “Southland” and had his best arc to date in what proved to be the underrated drama’s last. Nominate him or he makes my snubs list. You’ve been warned.

HBO’s “Boardwalk Empire” delivered their best season to date by some stretch and the entire supporting cast merits consideration. In fact, you could populate the entire category with “Empire” guys — Bobby Cannavale, Stephen Graham, Jack Huston, Michael Shannon, Michael Stuhlbarg, and Michael K. Williams. Cannavale really injected the show with some dark, driving energy this season and deserves the nod.

The only character this year who wouldn’t feel an ounce of fear in the face of Cannavale’s Gyp Rosetti is the title one from NBC’s brilliant “Hannibal.” Mads Mikkelsen has taken an iconic role with big, bloody shoes to fill and made it his own with a brilliant blend of intellect and menace.

That’s four spots populated by incredible performances — Cannavale, Cudlitz, Mikkelsen, and Paul. Who’s left?

Of course, someone from “Game of Thrones” needs to get in to represent the ensemble. Should it be the always-great Peter Dinklage or someone new? Strong, strong consideration should be given to Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, who really delivered this year, especially in his confessional scene in “Kissed By Fire.” There’s a part of me that wants to pick him over Tyrion. But I just can’t do it. Dinklage is too good to ignore, one of the more memorable characters of the ’10s.

Finally, there’s the show that’s bound to shake things up at this year’s Emmys and earn the most headlines because of it — “Netflix Enters Emmy Race!” “House of Cards” will be a player this year in multiple categories and the best performance on the show, overall, was given by Corey Stoll (with consideration to the great Michael Kelly as well).

Bobby Cannavale, “Boardwalk Empire”
Michael Cudlitz, “Southland”
Peter Dinklage, “Game of Thrones”
Mads Mikkelsen, “Hannibal”
Aaron Paul, “Breaking Bad”
Corey Stoll, “House of Cards”

OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES

Abigail Spencer for Rectify Photo credit: Sundance Channel

This one’s tough. I think it’s because there are fewer clear stand-outs than in most categories. Admit it, for most of these categories, you know 4 or even 5 nominees that you have thought all year should be nominated and the questions really come down to who fills those last couple slots. Here, there’s a giant pool of people to consider with fewer must-nominate candidates. There are honestly two dozen talented actresses whose nomination would be worthwhile.

But decisions must be made and so we will make them. Who’s on the outside looking in for 2012-13? I like the submitted ladies of “Game of Thrones” — Emilia Clarke, Natalie Dormer, Michelle Fairley, and Lena Headey — but they all just miss out. As do past “Dream Ballot” selections Morena Baccarin (“Homeland”), Rose Byrne (“Damages”), Jennifer Carpenter (“Dexter”), Jessica Pare (“Mad Men”), and Maggie Smith (“Downton Abbey”). None had their strongest season.

As for veterans on shows who are too rarely considered, someone should recognize the consistent work by Joelle Carter on “Justified,” Monica Potter on “Parenthood,” and Deborah Ann Woll on “True Blood.” All fall just short this year.

Looking at the ballot, there’s a stunning amount of talent in this category from new shows. Kristen Connolly & Kate Mara are both stellar on “House of Cards,” Olivia Cooke is memorable on “Bates Motel,” Caroline Dhavernas wasn’t given enough to work with but did wonders with what she was on “Hannibal,” Annet Mahendru made a minor character memorable on “The Americans,” and HBO’s “The Newsroom” is largely driven by its strong female performers, including Emily Mortimer, Alison Pill, and the one I would choose on my ballot, Olivia Munn.

Also new to the game is the great Abigail Spencer from Sundance Channel’s excellent “Rectify.” She captivates in every scene, making smart choices with a very difficult role. She’s the best thing about a show that I expect will go many interesting places in season two.

The other four spots go to veterans. Did any of them have their strongest season yet? Nope. But they’ve all delivered so well over the years and didn’t falter enough this year to lose out. Although there are clearly some exciting newcomers breathing down their necks.

Anna Gunn, “Breaking Bad”
Christina Hendricks, “Mad Men”
Regina King, “Southland”
Kelly MacDonald, “Boardwalk Empire”
Olivia Munn, “The Newsroom”
Abigail Spencer, “Rectify”

OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES

Hugh Dancy for Hannibal Photo credit: NBC

Often the category that gets the most attention, this is another Emmy line-up rich with talent although it’s also one where I predict some of the least degree of change. Who are the new contenders to challenge annual nominees like Bryan Cranston & Jon Hamm, both deserving again this year? While those two are likely to be joined by other veterans, there are at least three new characters worth challenging the throne.

As for the rookies who miss out, Kevin Bacon is the best thing about “The Following,” Robert Taylor carries “Longmire,” Matthew Rhys is quite good on “The Americans,” Aden Young would be a glorious surprise for “Rectify,” and if ABC had handled it right Andre Braugher would be considered for “Last Resort.” None make the top six.

Former greats Michael C. Hall for “Dexter” and Timothy Olyphant for “Justified” fall just short. The latter because the competition is too stiff in 2013 and the latter because, well, “Dexter” just isn’t Emmy-worthy any more.

A few folks seemingly never considered merit “runner-up” citation, including Nathan Fillion (“Castle”), Charlie Hunnam (“Sons of Anarchy”), and Peter Krause (“Parenthood”).

As is so often the case, there’s an insane battle for the final spot here. So let’s start at the other side of the category, picking the locks — Cranston, Hamm, Damian Lewis for “Homeland,” and Steve Buscemi for “Boardwalk Empire”. All are “duh” choices that can’t be ignored.

It leaves two spots for three incredible actors from new shows - Hugh Dancy for “Hannibal,” Jeff Daniels for “The Newsroom,” and Kevin Spacey for “House of Cards.” HBO’s program is the least dramatically successful of those three but I don’t think any of that blame falls at Daniels’s feet. He’s great. Dancy surpassed all expectations in his work on “Hannibal,” delivering one of the most fearless performances on any network. It’s hard to believe but after much consideration, I’d push out Spacey. I feel bad about it. Let’s move on before I cry again.

Steve Buscemi, “Boardwalk Empire”
Bryan Cranston, “Breaking Bad”
Hugh Dancy, “Hannibal”
Jeff Daniels, “The Newsroom”
Jon Hamm, “Mad Men”
Damian Lewis, “Homeland”

OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES

Claire Danes for Homeland Photo credit: Showtime

For years, this has been an incredibly difficult category to fill but things seem to be changing. Claire Danes is delivering one of the most nuanced performances on any network and she deserves her inevitable second nomination (and likely win) for “Homeland.” Former winner Juliana Margulies proves that there is still room for dramatically rich characters on network TV with her work on “The Good Wife.” And it’s just insane that Elisabeth Moss has yet to win for “Mad Men” (in fact, no actor from that show has won an Emmy yet, believe it or not). Peggy is one of the new era’s most interesting characters.

Three spots for veterans, three spots for newcomers.

Vera Farmiga takes what could have been a paper-thin, B-movie role on “Bates Motel” and makes it believable and fascinating. She could end up being Danes’s biggest threat to win. Tatiana Maslany doesn’t just give one great performance on “Orphan Black,” she gives several. And finally there’s the great Keri Russell, a riveting suburban super-spy on FX’s very-good “The Americans.”

Well, that’s all six. What about the runner-ups? There aren’t many. Kerry Washington could get some votes for “Scandal” and she’s very good there. Connie Britton is the best thing about “Nashville” and Katey Sagal has been snubbed for better seasons of “Sons of Anarchy.” Michelle Dockery on “Downton Abbey,” Glenn Close on “Damages,” Emmy Rossum on “Shameless,” and, most of all, Robin Wright for “House of Cards”. All good, none as good as these six.

Claire Danes, “Homeland”
Vera Farmiga, “Bates Motel”
Juliana Margulies, “The Good Wife”
Tatiana Maslany, “Orphan Black”
Elisabeth Moss, “Mad Men”
Keri Russell, “The Americans”

OUTSTANDING DRAMATIC SERIES

Breaking Bad Photo credit: AMC

Once again, let’s go in reverse order. They aired in 2012 and so you may be more likely to forget that HBO’s “Boardwalk Empire” and AMC’s “Breaking Bad” were the two best dramas of last year. If you fail to nominate them, you fail the Emmy system. No pressure.

HBO’s “Game of Thrones” proves that Hollywood-level production values can translate to the small screen and has become one of the most talked-about shows of the current golden age. It would be silly not to nominate it.

While those three are easy choices, the final three are a bit more in flux. The best drama on network television is also one of its least-rated. Take a chance and nominate the dark, daring, brilliant “Hannibal,” a program that proves that complex storytelling doesn’t have to be relegated only to cable.

Two spots and, man, it’s a tough two. For the mid-section of the season when it clicked into dramatic gear, Netflix’s “House of Cards” merits a nomination. I had some issues with the final arc of the first season but the highs of this show far outweigh the lows.

One spot. And several great choices for it. A former nominee like “Mad Men” or “Homeland”? Or a new show like “The Americans,” “The Newsroom,” “Bates Motel,” or “Rectify”? And what about “The Walking Dead,” a show that had at least half of a great season? It’s such a tough call. You make it. Here’s how I would…today…

“Boardwalk Empire” (HBO)
“Breaking Bad” (AMC)
“Game of Thrones” (HBO)
“Hannibal” (NBC)
“House of Cards” (Netflix)
“Mad Men” (AMC)

Go to Page 3 for the Movie/Mini-Series & Guest Performer categories…

Perhaps due to the much-smaller pools from which to choose, Emmy voters pick 5 instead of 6 nominees in these categories. These are my choices for the best of 2012-13, a very strong year for the movie/mini-series. Come back to HC all Summer for Emmy coverage and a sneak peek at next year’s potential nominees with our coverage of the new Fall shows.

Top of the Lake Photo credit: Sundance Channel

OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A MOVIE/MINI-SERIES
Stephen Graham, “Parade’s End”
Ciaran Hinds, “Political Animals”
Peter Mullan, “Top of the Lake”
Oliver Platt, “The Big C: Hereafter”
Jeffrey Tambor, “Phil Spector”

OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A MOVIE/MINI-SERIES
Ellen Burstyn, “Political Animals”
Adelaide Clemens, “Parade’s End”
Holly Hunter, “Top of the Lake”
Lily Rabe, “American Horror Story: Asylum”
Miranda Richardson, “Parade’s End”

OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTOR IN A MOVIE/MINI-SERIES
Benedict Cumberbatch, “Parade’s End”
Matt Damon, “Behind the Candleabra”
Michael Douglas, “Behind the Candleabra”
Al Pacino, “Phil Spector”
Ben Whishaw, “The Hour”

OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTRESS IN A MOVIE/MINI-SERIES
Jessica Lange, “American Horror Story: Asylum”
Laura Linney, “The Big C: Hereafter”
Sienna Miller, “The Girl”
Helen Mirren, “Phil Spector”
Elisabeth Moss, “Top of the Lake”

OUTSTANDING MOVIE/MINI-SERIES
“Behind the Candleabra” (HBO)
“The Big C: Hereafter” (Showtime)
“The Hour” (BBC)
“Parade’s End” (HBO)
“Top of the Lake” (Sundance Channel)

OUTSTANDING GUEST ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES
Matthew Broderick, “Modern Family”
Bobby Cannavale, “Nurse Jackie”
Jon Glaser, “Parks and Recreation”
David Lynch, “Louie”
Chris O’Dowd, “Girls”
Robin Williams, “Louie”

OUTSTANDING GUEST ACTRESS IN A COMEDY SERIES
Melissa Leo, “Louie”
Megan Mullally, “Parks and Recreation”
Parker Posey, “Louie”
Molly Shannon, “Enlightened”
Elaine Stritch, “30 Rock”
Kristen Wiig, “Arrested Development”

OUTSTANDING GUEST ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES
Jere Burns, “Bates Motel”
Ron Eldard, “Justified”
Michael J. Fox, “The Good Wife”
Eddie Izzard, “Hannibal”
Gerald McRaney, “Southland”
Harold Perrineau, “Sons of Anarchy”

OUTSTANDING GUEST ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES
Gillian Anderson, “Hannibal”
Laura Fraser, “Breaking Bad”
Margo Martindale, “The Americans”
Abby Miller, “Justified”
Diana Rigg, “Game of Thrones”
Gina Torres, “Hannibal”

[22]	By BRIAN TALLERICO [23] Content Director HollywoodChicago.com brian@hollywoodchicago.com [22]