Our Emmy prophets — forums moderators Chris "Boomer" Beachum and Robert "Rob L" Licuria, who also contribute to AwardsHeaven.net — agree on five of the six women who will vie for lead actress in a drama series. They both think returning champ Glenn Close ("Damages") will face off against 2007 winner Sally Field ("Brothers and Sisters"), three-time also ran Kyra Sedgwick ("The Closer") and newcomers January Jones ("Mad Men") and Anna Paquin ("True Blood").

For the sixth slot, Rob – who went four for five right last year – opts for Oscar winner Holly Hunter returning to the race a second time for "Saving Grace." Boomer – who got all five nominees right last year – believes "Big Love" star Jeanne Tripplehorn will break through and land her first nod.

BEST DRAMA SERIES ACTRESS
Glenn Close, "Damages" – Rob, Boomer
Sally Field, "Brothers and Sisters" – Rob, Boomer
Holly Hunter, "Saving Grace" – Rob
January Jones, "Mad Men" – Rob, Boomer
Anna Paquin, "True Blood" – Rob, Boomer
Kyra Sedgwick, "The Closer" – Rob, Boomer
Jeanne Tripplehorn, "Big Love" – Boomer

ROB'S COMMENTARY: It is refreshing to see that a lead actress category can have so many worthy contenders, because the only sure thing here (apart from last year’s returning champ Glenn Close) is that there will be quite a few disappointed contenders and fans in this category. I think Hunter, Field and Sedgwick are in again, and January Jones, although nowhere near as certain as many might expect, will likely make it into the group for a variety of reasons that include "Mad Men" being the current Emmy darling (I am not as sure about Elisabeth Moss, who is at least the most likely candidate out of the possible contenders).

I am going out on a limb in saying that there will be a “Piano” reunion in this category with Anna Paquin dispelling the Emmy bias against genre shows and making the cut in this category for "True Blood," which is the hottest show right now.

The contenders that could easily usurp half of these actresses include the outstanding Jeanne Tripplehorn ("Big Love"), who can thank Ginnifer Goodwin and Chloe Sevigny for moving over to the supporting race so as not to dilute support from "Big Love" fans, Angela Bassett ("ER"), Jill Scott ("No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency"), Regina King ("Southland") and Mary McDonnell ("Battlestar Galactica").

BOOMER'S COMMENTARY: As last year's winner, I don't think Glenn Close is any danger of losing her slot this time. Sally Field and Kyra Sedgwick should also return from last year's lineup. After that, I do think there will be a good bit of turnover from last year's nominees: Holly Hunter (an Oscar winner in an almost unwatchable show) and Mariska Hargitay (finally losing her slot after many years) do not enjoy another nomination.

Instead, I think January Jones rides an even bigger "Mad Men" wave as the standout performance from a great second season. Also, Anna Paquin is one of the key reasons for the success of "True Blood" and should get nominated. In somewhat of a surprise, I also think Jeanne Tripplehorn gains a nod for "Big Love" because of consistently good work on the show but also because her co-stars have moved into the supporting category.