Emmy battle over best drama actor: Michael C. Hall vs. Bryan Cranston?
Forecasting the Emmy race for best drama actor, our forum moderators Chris "Boomer" Beachum and Robert "Rob L" Licuria (AwardsHeaven.net) agree on five contenders for the six nomination spots: Simon Baker ("The Mentalist"), Michael C. Hall ("Dexter"), Jon Hamm ("Mad Men"), Hugh Laurie ("House M.D.") and the winner for the last two years Bryan Cranston ("Breaking Bad"). Boomer picks Wendell Pierce ("Treme") for the last spot; Rob opts for Bill Paxton ("Big Love"). Both agree that newcomer Timothy Olyphant ("Justified") poses a serious threat, but he can't count on an Emmy bid.
Also check out Rob and Boomer's predix for best drama series and comedy series.
BEST DRAMA ACTOR: BOOMER'S PREDIX
1. Michael C. Hall ("Dexter")
2. Bryan Cranston ("Breaking Bad")
3. Jon Hamm ("Mad Men")
4. Hugh Laurie ("House")
5. Simon Baker ("The Mentalist")
6. Wendell Pierce ("Treme")
Alternates -- Bill Paxton ("Big Love"), Timothy Olyphant ("Justified")
BOOMER'S COMMENTARY: I can't imagine a scenario where Michael C. Hall, Bryan Cranston, Jon Hamm and Hugh Laurie are snubbed this year. In fact, if Hall submits correctly he is probably the front-runner to win based on the best-reviewed season of "Dexter" yet and recent Golden Globe and SAG wins. Simon Baker continues to headline one of the highest-rated dramas on TV, so he should be safe. It is that tricky sixth slot that is hardest to predict since 2009 nominee Gabriel Byrne did not have episodes airing this season. The best bet is most likely Bill Paxton, a very popular actor on one of last year's drama series nominees ("Big Love"), but I will go out on a limb and say that "Treme" from HBO is going to be a major player this year in many categories. Wendell Pierce could be part of that awards wave.
BEST DRAMA ACTOR: ROB'S PREDIX
1. Bryan Cranston ("Breaking Bad")
2. Jon Hamm ("Mad Men")
3. Michael C. Hall ("Dexter")
4. Hugh Laurie ("House")
5. Simon Baker ("The Mentalist")
6. Bill Paxton ("Big Love")
Alternates: Kiefer Sutherland ("24"), Timothy Olyphant ("Justified")
ROB'S COMMENTARY: The top four above appear to be almost guaranteed a slot at this point, with last year's surprise newcomer (Simon Baker) poised to make a return appearance. The sixth contender is a bit of a toss-up, and I'm banking on Bill Paxton to finally break through the pack. He'll have to get past multiple past nominee (and swan song contender) Kiefer Sutherland, as well as Timothy Olyphant for his raved-about performance in the FX freshman series "Justified." Outside shots include Denis Leary ("Rescue Me") and perhaps even Matthew Fox ("Lost"). We are still not sure about where the "Parenthood" cast will submit, so Emmy fave Peter Krause remains on the sidelines for now.
Photos: Michael C. Hall (Showtime), Bryan Cranston (AMC)
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Matthew Fox... an outsider in the race?! WTF?! He was the heart and soul of a this amazing show for 5 of the 6 years. Exception being season 5 where he was side-lined for Josh Holloway.
But seriously? Did any of the people who created this list see the Lost finale? COME ON! He does romance (the epic final kiss with Kate on a cliff), he does action (the KICK-ASS final show-down with not-Locke on the cliffs above Hawaii, and most of all, he does drama, with his gut-wrenching performances as he builds to the ultimate sacrifice.
C'mon Emmy voters. An actor who can play a hero, make you cry, and make you laugh and hope, while you despair. Please vote this awesome man in!
Posted by: sactownfan | May 24, 2010 at 10:48 PM
Hall is leagues above Hamm. And Breaking Bad was nowhere as good as it's earlier seasons. I hate to say this is Hall's year because the first season of Dexter should have been his year as well. I wish these things could be done purely on merit because Hall is truly peerless. And I say this as a fan of Laurie and Cranston.
Posted by: JemimaK | April 18, 2010 at 09:57 PM
If Michael C Hall doesn't win this award there is a problem with the Emmys
Posted by: Mr. Self Destruct | April 18, 2010 at 08:18 PM
This year, it is obvious that HUGH LAURIE shall deserve to win the Emmy Award with no contest ! Plus, I' ve lately seen " Lockdown " !
He is not only a brilliant actor but also a genius as a director !
Posted by: Fabienne | April 17, 2010 at 11:16 AM
Michael C. Hall.
Posted by: Daniel | April 13, 2010 at 06:59 AM
Share the wealth, Emmy!
Hall deserved an Emmy for Six Feet Under and now Dexter. What a perfect time to give it to him after a stellar Dexter season. Cranston doesn't need another. The battle should be Hall vs Hamm. Don Draper doesn't have an Emmy either. Hamm showed some new complexities this past season as his Don confronted both Peggy and Betty.
Posted by: Joseph | April 12, 2010 at 06:44 AM
Laurie deserves to win this year
Posted by: Sydnay Tee | April 11, 2010 at 03:29 PM
This is tough. I love Breaking Bad, and I loved Cranston on Malcolm in the Middle, but I gotta go with Hall on this one. His work on that season of Dexter was great, and he may even get some credit for his lack of attention for his equally great work from Six Feet Under. I just hope the vote doesn't split. I love Mad Men and House M.D., but I don't want Hamm or Laurie to win.
Posted by: Pieman1994 | April 11, 2010 at 11:11 AM
It would be nice to see either Michael C. Hall or Hugh Laurie finally win - but knowing the Emmy voters it will be Bryan Cranston equalling Bill Cosby's three consecutive wins, while joining Cosby, Robert Young, Peter Falk, James Gandolfini and James Spader on three wins. Only Dennis Franz has more with four wins.
Posted by: Daniel | April 11, 2010 at 05:48 AM
Someone should notice the stellar work John Noble is doing on Fringe. The whole cast is stunning.
I'd also hope someone would take notice of Thomas Gibson and his subtle and moving performance on Criminal Minds.
Posted by: Fabrisse | April 10, 2010 at 08:25 PM