Emmy Predictions For 2015: Will Jon Hamm Finally Win Or Be Defeated By Kyle Chandler Or Bob Odenkirk?
Will Jon Hamm finally win the Emmy that has eluded him for eight years?
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Hamm is nominated for the eighth and final time this year for his portrayal of Don Draper in AMC's Mad Men. The star's Emmy-less reputation may rival Leonardo DiCaprio's lack of an Oscar, giving the 44-year-old actor a very solid narrative to win this year.
But first, he has to get past five other contenders. Each of the actors nominated in the category of Lead Actor in a Drama Series is a heavyweight in their own way.
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Here is Enstars' official prediction for the winner of Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series, ranked from least likely to most likely:
6. Liev Schreiber - Ray Donovan
While Schreiber undoubtedly gives a good performance as the title character in Ray Donovan, he simply doesn't have the industry clout to pull off a win. This is the actor's first nomination for the role after being snubbed last year. Upsets are always possible at the Emmys, but Schreiber's work probably won't be distinctive enough for him to win.
5. Jeff Daniels - The Newsroom
Daniels managed to eke out a surprise win in this category two years ago after submitting the powerful pilot episode of The Newsroom. He has been nominated all three years of The Newsroom's existence and is clearly respected in the Television Academy. But very few people are talking about his show anymore and he simply doesn't have the buzz to win.
4. Kevin Spacey - House of Cards
House of Cards continues to be a hit with the Television Academy and considering Spacey's popularity, a win is possible. This is Spacey's third consecutive nomination for playing Frank Underwood, but he has no wins under his belt. The episode he submitted ("Chapter 32") is a strong one but he is mostly overshadowed by co-star Robin Wright. If he couldn't win in previous years with stronger episodes he probably won't this year.
3. Bob Odenkirk - Better Call Saul
Better Call Saul over-performed in nominations for its debut season this year. Odenkirk's nomination in this category is an interesting one considering he was never nominated for the show where Saul Goodman/Jimmy McGill originated, Breaking Bad. He has a strong submission with "Pimento" and could pull off a surprise win if voters find him likable enough. But there are two contenders who simply have better tapes and more industry clout.
2. Kyle Chandler - Bloodline
Chandler's nomination for playing John Rayburn in Bloodline didn't exactly come out of nowhere, but it wasn't a guaranteed nomination either. He clearly has some goodwill in the Academy. Chandler's submission ("Part 12") is a very meaty episode for the actor as he runs the gamut of emotions. The actor defeated Hamm in this category back in 2011, where he won for playing Coach Taylor in Friday Night Lights. Will he do it again? There's a strong possibility.
1. Jon Hamm - Mad Men
Ultimately, Hamm's narrative and submission will probably be enough to seal the deal. The actor submitted the final episode of Mad Men, which was a very emotional one, especially for his character. While many Internet commenters believe the narrative of him never winning will weigh heavily on voters, it's hard to tell if those voters are even aware of it. But Hamm's submission combined with his popularity should conceivably win the Emmy for him. But if not, he will join the ranks of several beloved actors who never scored Emmys for iconic roles, including Steve Carell for The Office, Martin Sheen for The West Wing and Hugh Laurie for House.
Who do you think will win the Emmy? Sound off below.
The Primetime Emmys air live Sunday, Sept. 20 at 8/7c on Fox.
