Nominees: Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series

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	My pick	Y! Users
Bryan Cranston - Breaking Bad [ EXPERT PICK ] A versatile and prolific actor for over three decades, Bryan Cranston’s authoritative presence made him a perfect fit for policemen, doctors, and the occasional villain in numerous series and the occasional feature. A recurring turn as an eccentric dentist on “Seinfeld” (NBC, 1989-1998) signaled that he possessed formidable comic skills, which received a superb showcase in his Emmy-nominated performance as Hal, the manic father on “Malcolm in the Middle” (Fox, 2000-06). After “Malcolm" left the airwaves in 2007, Cranston returned to series work with “Breaking Bad,” a dark comedy from “X-Files” (Fox, 1993-2002) co-producer Vince Gilligan. Cranston plays a high school chemistry teacher who struggles to support his pregnant wife and a son with cerebral palsy. When he is diagnosed with terminal lung cancer, he tries to cash in on his knowledge of chemicals by manufacturing meth. Critics were unanimous in their praise of Cranston’s dramatic performance, which earned him the 2008 Emmy for Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series. more » 3 comments		9%
Michael C. Hall - Dexter Despite a resume consisting of experience exclusive to the theater, Michael C. Hall quickly became a recognizable figure on the small screen, establishing himself in diverse and often contradictory roles that earned the young actor a strong and loyal following, particularly with his breakthrough performance as the uptight gay mortician David Fisher on “Six Feet Under” (HBO, 2001-05). Hall’s penchant for playing conflicting characters enabled him to engage his imagination and breathe life into unique creations far different from most others seen on television or in film, making him a much-sought after actor. This knack culminated in titular role on “Dexter” (Showtime, 2006- ), a darkly comic drama about a blood-splatter technician in the Miami Metro Police Department moonlighting as a serial killer who hunts other killers. For the first two seasons, Hall earned Emmy nominations for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series. more » 5 comments		14%
Hugh Laurie - House Comic actor Hugh Laurie hailed from Oxford, England, but first made a name for himself as a performer with the Footlights Theater at rival Cambridge University in the early 1980s. He quickly rose in British television as a writer and actor, best known for his portrayal of dimwits on wacky British series and sketch shows. Despite years of starring TV roles and film character roles in his homeland, most Americans were unfamiliar with the multitalented Brit when he was cast in the title role of the medical mystery drama “House M.D.” (Fox, 2005- ). It was a far cry from his years of goofy comedy work, but Laurie was unquestionably riveting with his portrayal of the dark, complex doctor, Gregory House – enough that he's received numerous Best Actor Golden Globe and Emmy nominations throughout the show’s run. more » 13 comments		49%
Gabriel Byrne - In Treatment Both a strong leading presence and compelling character performer, actor Gabriel Byrne emerged from his native Ireland to become one of the more sought-after talents in the United States. Though he had been acting for over a decade across the Atlantic, Byrne did not begin making a name for himself in America until his dark, brooding performance as an Irish mobster in the Coen Brothers’ deft “Miller’s Crossing” (1990). Though he managed to get entangled in several flops, Byrne managed to transcend setbacks with a varied slate of interesting projects, including “In Treatment” (HBO, 2007- ), an experimental drama that allowed Byrne to display his considerable acting chops to a sophisticated audience. Byrne plays a seemingly successful psychotherapist and family man whose life starts falling apart because of his intimate involvement with his patients. In 2008, he earned an Emmy nod for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series, but lost out to Bryan Cryanston for AMC's "Breaking Bad" (2008-). He then received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor in a Television Series - Drama, which he promptly won. more » 3 comments		2%
Jon Hamm - Mad Men A handsome, versatile character actor, St. Louis native Jon Hamm got his first taste of acting at the age of 6 when he was cast as Winnie the Pooh in a class play. Moving to Hollywood years later, Hamm gradually made a name for himself as a TV guest star before making his big-screen debut as a young rocket jockey in director/star Clint Eastwood’s “Space Cowboys” (2000). In 2007 Hamm was tapped by former "Sopranos" writer/producer Matthew Weiner to star in the cable drama “Mad Men” as Don Draper, the embattled creative director of 1960s Manhattan ad agency Sterling Cooper. So impressive was his work, he won a Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Drama Series in early 2008. Later that year he received an Emmy nod for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series, and in 2009 he received another Golden Globe nomination but lost out to Gabriel Byrne. more » 4 comments		6%
Simon Baker - The Mentalist Simon Baker first caught America’s attention as the earnest, ill-fated aspiring actor in 1997’s neo-noir thriller “L.A. Confidential.” The native Australian went on to land a lead in the CBS crime-drama hit “The Guardian" (2001-04) which helped solidify his celebrity status stateside. In 2008, CBS again found a home for Baker on another procedural “The Mentalist” (2008- ) as lead character Patrick Jane, a fraudulent psychic who taps the keen observational and cold-reading skills he once used to bedazzle customers to assist cops in solving crimes. This year, thanks to his perfect portrayal of the devilishly arrogant character, he’s up for an Emmy – the first nomination of his career. more » 12 comments		19%

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46 comments

comments 1-10 of 46 | newest | < newer | older > | oldest

Ma. Bernadette J

sad,,it should have been hugh laurie of house

report abuseposted September 21, 2009, 9:54 pm PDT
Kate

Hugh Laurie was robbed!!!!! This just proves the those casting ballots are deaf, dumb & blind!!! HGugh ROCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

report abuseposted September 21, 2009, 5:50 pm PDT
Nicole

def should of been simon. i love that show

report abuseposted September 21, 2009, 12:19 pm PDT
Derrick B

Never even heard of breaking bad...ugh. There should be enough fan base to be up for an award.....go Hugh

report abuseposted September 21, 2009, 11:44 am PDT
Derrick B

House by far in this group

report abuseposted September 21, 2009, 11:42 am PDT
Jenny

I agree Hugh should have won

report abuseposted September 21, 2009, 11:03 am PDT
elle

HUGH SHOULD HAVE WON

report abuseposted September 21, 2009, 10:40 am PDT
Ashley

The winner deserved it.. but I thought and think that this should have been hugh Laurie year... :(

report abuseposted September 21, 2009, 10:30 am PDT
Susant

i agree about Hugh Laurie. Sad when brilliant intellect and ingenious comedy are passed over for shiny new rubbish. not only that, the soundtrack rocks! got hooked on House on deployment to ME and been sold ever since.

report abuseposted September 21, 2009, 9:39 am PDT
barbeefree

WOW! Huge congratulations to Bryan Cranston his acting is supurb! Love the show, the drama is so real you can feel it.

report abuseposted September 21, 2009, 5:57 am PDT

comments 1-10 of 46 | newest | < newer | older > | oldest

Coverage of the 61st Annual Emmy Awards®

Nominees: Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series

Bryan Cranston - Breaking Bad

Michael C. Hall - Dexter

Hugh Laurie - House

Gabriel Byrne - In Treatment

Jon Hamm - Mad Men

Simon Baker - The Mentalist

46 comments

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