Nominees are pictured and listed in alphabetical order. Submitted episode titles are in parentheses. Beware of minor spoilers for listed episodes.
Dylan Baker as Colin Sweeney, The Good Wife (Tying the Knot)
This is Baker’s third nomination for this role – he has been recognized every other year since this show began. Baker’s character at this point has become rather repetitive, constantly on trial for murdering his wife, but I don’t think that’s much of an issue since he still manages to chew plenty of scenery. He’s the only actor from his show nominated in this category for the first time, but I still don’t think that will enable him to score the win.
Beau Bridges as Barton Scully, Masters of Sex (Manhigh)
This is Bridges’ fourteenth Emmy nomination. He has won three times, last in 1997, and this is his third nomination in this category in the past five years (each time for a different role). Bridges submitted the season finale, in which his character decides that he needs to take extreme measures to deal with his sexual orientation. Bridges was great throughout the season, but this episode may be a bit too somber for voters not familiar with the show. He may still win, though, so don’t count him out completely.
Reg E. Cathey as Freddy, House of Cards (Chapter 22)
It’s refreshing to see a hard-working actor like Cathey receive his first major awards nomination for a great recurring role that feels very natural. His submitted instalment was the obvious choice, the hour in which all of the attention his restaurant has gotten as a result of the profile that was written implodes and leaves him out in the cold. It’s a heartfelt, honest performance, and maybe Cathey could follow in the recent trend of lesser-known actors beating big names in this race.
Paul Giamatti as Harold Levinson, Downton Abbey (Downton Abbey)
I remember being excited when I heard that Giamatti was joining the cast of this show for season four, but then we only saw him in the finale for a few minutes. Still, I wrote in my review of the episode that his “every moment on screen was a scathing delight,” so I guess the episode left a good impression. He’s a respected actor who won an Emmy for his last historical venture, “John Adams,” so he might earn another trophy this year.
Robert Morse as Bertram Cooper, Mad Men (For Immediate Release)
Morse is a sporadic returning nominee, recognized for the first, third, fourth, sixth, and now seventh season of his show. He won an Emmy back in 1993 for his work on “American Playhouse.” It’s true that no “Mad Men” actor has ever won an Emmy despite a grand total of 31 nominations prior to this year, but I do think that Morse could be the first. In his final episode, Morse gets the chance to sing and dance in an odd but fitting farewell for his character. There’s stiff competition, but what better way to ensure that his series finally has an acting win?
Joe Morton as Eli Pope, Scandal (Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner)
This is Morton’s first Emmy nomination. He submitted the second episode of the season in which his character, Olivia Pope’s father, reconnects with his daughter as his dark past is revealed. It’s a meaty role to be sure, and Morton gives it his all, making Eli an intimidating and rather detestable father figure. He’s an underrewarded actor who has been working for a long time, so maybe he’ll win. Costar Dan Bucatinsky winning this award last year certainly helps.
Who should win (based on entire season): N/A
Who will win (based on individual episodes): Cathey
Who will win: My bet would be Morse, but it might also be Bridges or, honestly, any of these actors.
Next up: Best Guest Actress in a Drama Series
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