Golden Globe Musings: Best Actor in a TV Series – Drama

Golden Globe nominations for this year will be soon, so here’s a survey of the contenders and the most likely predictions at this time. Weigh in with your thoughts, and let me know if I’ve left off anyone important. A reminder that last year’s nominees mean zilch at the Globes and that the race is almost entirely unpredictable.

Last year’s nominees:
Steve Buscemi (Boardwalk Empire)
Bryan Cranston (Breaking Bad)
Michael C. Hall (Dexter)
Jon Hamm (Mad Men)
Hugh Laurie (House)

New contenders:
Sean Bean (Game of Thrones)
Kelsey Grammar (Boss)
Damian Lewis (Homeland)
William H. Macy (Shameless)
Dylan McDermott (American Horror Story)

Potential first-time nominees:
Kyle Chandler (Friday Night Lights)
Timothy Olyphant (Justified)

One very notable nominee from the past four years won’t be on the list this year, and that’s Jon Hamm, whose show took the year 2011 off. That leaves one slot open, which will likely go to one of three actors. Kyle Chandler didn’t make it in after his 2010 Emmy nomination, but maybe his 2011 Emmy win will encourage Globe voters to take notice. Timothy Olyphant’s FX series did well at the Emmys, and so he may find himself recognized here as well. The strongest new fall contender is nine-time nominee and two-time winner Kelsey Grammar, who may earn his first nomination in the drama category for Starz’s new series. Of last year’s eligible nominees, Hugh Laurie is probably the most vulnerable since his show has lost some steam by this point in its eight-year history. Damian Lewis may be categorized here for his role as a returning prisoner of war in “Homeland,” but I think he has a better shot in the supporting race.

Current predictions:
Steve Buscemi
Bryan Cranston
Kelsey Grammar
Michael C. Hall
Timothy Olyphant