SAG Predictions: Best Male Actor in a Drama Series

Last year’s nominees:
MICHAEL C. HALL, DEXTER
JON HAMM, MAD MEN
HUGH LAURIE, HOUSE
WILLIAM SHATNER, BOSTON LEGAL
JAMES SPADER, BOSTON LEGAL

For starters, toss out Shatner and Spader since “Boston Legal” is finally over and didn’t air this past year. Hold on to the other three – Michael C. Hall (Dexter), Jon Hamm (Mad Men), and Hugh Laurie (House), since their shows haven’t gotten any less popular. Last year, Gabriel Byrne (In Treatment) was left out, and he might sneak in for season two of the acclaimed HBO drama. Similarly snubbed Bryan Cranston (Breaking Bad) should definitely pop up here as his show has only become more well-known and praised. Returning TV star and two-time nominee Kiefer Sutherland (24) might get nominated again, while this year’s new Emmy winners, Michael Emerson (Lost), and nominees, Simon Baker (The Mentalist), could get in as well. There aren’t really any new shows to worry about here, though season-long guest star and two-time SAG winner John Lithgow (Dexter) could pose a serious threat to his competition.

Predicted nominees:
BRYAN CRANSTON, BREAKING BAD
MICHAEL C. HALL, DEXTER
JON HAMM, MAD MEN
HUGH LAURIE, HOUSE
JOHN LITHGOW, DEXTER

Final predictions will be offered on Wednesday, December 16th, after Golden Globe nominees are revealed, though that shouldn’t impact the race too significantly. SAG nominations will be announced on Thursday, December 17th, and come back to TV with Abe for a detailed look at each race.