Cranston's absence gives noms an opportunity

Steve Buscemi in 'Boardwalk Empire'Jon Hamm in 'Mad Men'Kyle Chandler in 'Friday Evening Lights'Michael C. Hall in 'Dexter'Hugh Laurie in 'Dexter'Timothy Olyphant in 'Justified'The high interest that naturally accrues for this greatly competitive category is sort of moderate through the TV Academy's inclination to repeat itself.John Cranston, for instance, has won the Emmy for lead actor inside a drama within the last 3 years running. Yet with Cranston and "Breaking Bad" from the table this season because of an aura date that skipped the qualifications window, voters did open the doorway to some of beginners.Timothy Olyphant, the charming star of FX's sophomore series "Justified," is really a first-time nominee. Steve Buscemi also made the cut for "Boardwalk Empire," but that felt inevitable, because of the outpouring of Emmy accolades for that newcomer Cinemax series, which nabbed 18 noms overall. Another nom for "Friday Evening Lights" star Kyle Chandler would be a welcome indication that voting people do view television, including low-ranked but significantly accepted shows within their final seasons. For that remaining three noms, the Academy was more in keeping with form, realizing Hugh Laurie ("House") for that sixth time, while Jon Hamm ("Mad Males") and Michael C. Hall ("Dexter") were each because of the jerk for that 4th consecutive year.With Cranston from the picture, a situation can be created for these returnees. Laurie has lengthy attracted praise from experts and audiences for his switch on "House" while Hall won a Golden Globe this year for his perf like a serial killer.Hamm hasn't had the opportunity to money in the "Mad Males" Emmy momentum and when voters believe the actor is really a critical element of why the show has won top drama series 3 years consecutively, this might finally be his time.Steve Buscemi"Boardwalk Empire"(Cinemax)Best scene: When Nucky Thompson burns lower his childhood home, a effective personal statement when there is one. However the vulnerability Thompson revealed within the season finale also designed a large impact.Why he may win: Rose towards the occasion and won over naysayers who thought his slight build and bug-eyed looks will make him unpersuasive within the lead role like a Prohibition-era shotcaller inside a seaside resort lousy with gangsters. Breaks out new colors within this amazing showcase after many years of sterling character work, including in "The Sopranos." Won the Golden Globe and SAG Award. Could this be his Triple Crown? Not: "The Great Wife's" Julianna Margulies plastic box individuals same two trophies this past year, but still lost the Emmy to Kyra Sedgwick. The Television Acad has a tendency to reward its, and Buscemi's done the majority of his operate in indie films. Kyle Chandler"Friday Evening Lights"(DirecTV/NBC)Best scene: In a restaurant, within the series finale, when Coach Taylor realizes the irony of lecturing daughter Julie about how exactly marriage requires compromise, then follows his upset wife (Connie Britton) outdoors to comfort her while still battling together with his dilemma. Why he may win: It's difficult to assume this is not the role a person can have for Chandler. He is the owner of it that completely, imbuing his small-town, underdog football coach having a steady decency and quiet gallantry that's arrived at define the essence from the show. An Emmy win will make an incredible send-off for any sentimental favorite that simply ended.Not: That underdog stuff might focus on the football area, however the Emmys are frequently another game. Michael C. Hall"Dexter" (Showtime)Best scene: The Jekyll and Hyde displayed within the episode "Teenage Wasteland," when Dexter deals out brutal physical punishment to some child molester while explaining each one of the man's organs because he hits them. That's then a poignant scene together with his stepdaughter Astor, a buddy from the wronged girl. Why he may win: Golden Globes voters pressed him up of the heap this past year. The 5th-year show has mostly held its audience, and it is a (pardon the pun) killer showcase to have an actor the Academy clearly loves.Not: The excitement on the program has clearly faded and thus might have Hall's chances.Jon Hamm"Mad Males" (AMC)Best scene: Standouts run virtually the size of the episode known as "The Suitcase," possibly peaking when Don sets loose his trademark intensity on Peggy (Elisabeth Moss) throughout a heated exchange about why she ought to be grateful basically to dedicate yourself him. Why he may win: Voters have constantly accepted this show, which this year drilled more and more deeply in to the enigma that's Hamm's character, giving him his most powerful moments yet. If there is a time for any perennial favorite to possess his turn, it's showed up.Not: Hall and Laurie happen to be nominated more frequently, therefore if the Acad really wants to make certain their accomplishments are recognized, Hamm may be the odd guy out.Hugh Laurie"House" (Fox)Best scene: Within the season finale "Moving Forward,Inch when House finally functions out his rage over his break-track of Cuddy by crashes his vehicle into her house to be able to return a hairbrush. Why he may win: Episodes like that certain, and also the one where he cut their own leg, required the crotchety M.D. ever much deeper in to the darkness that sets him apart.Not: The reveal wasn't nominated, and it is growing lengthy within the tooth. Network procedurals such as this medical mystery aren't exactly in style. Voters have gone one other way five occasions running. Timothy Olyphant"Justified" (Forex)Best scene: When U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens joins forces with outlaw Magazines to try and avoid the pregnant youthful Loretta from tugging the trigger -- and achieving like the pair of them -- within the season finale, "Bloody Harlan." Why he may win: Olyphant's foxy lawman brings movie-star panache for this backwoods procedural, and do not think everybody has not observed. Which season, his game was elevated when he reached play off the kind of Margo Martindale and Walton Goggins, because the progressively present Boyd Crowder. Not: The series itself wasn't recognized, and given its youth and procedural character, this may well be a situation where this is an recognition simply to be nominated. Route To THE EMMYS: THE ACTORActors turn to play figures unlike themselvesComedy Drama Miniseries & Movies Contact the range newsroom at news@variety.com