It's Emmy season. It's time to commemorate the best shows on television and the teams that make them so captivating year in and year out. As television slowly takes over the way we consume motion picture, the Emmy's hold more weight will every passing year. Certain shows generate mass followings that rely on weekly episodes to get them through the week. They spark constant conversation about what's in store for the following week's episode or the pivotal characters. There's an element of suspense and longevity that feature films fail to capture. There's a magic to television and the Primetime Emmy's are the perfect opportunity to celebrate it. So as we gear up for yet another annual ceremony, here are the nominations for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series along with our predictions.
Bryan Cranston ("Breaking Bad"): Cranston continues to shine in one of television's most thrilling dramas. Beginning in August, the show will air its final eight episodes, but there's still plenty on the horizon for Cranston. He's left his mark and made a name for himself for his work in "Breaking Bad." He's already won the Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series in 2008, 2009 and 2010 and was nominated in 2012. The future is bright for Cranston.
Jeff Daniels ("The Newsroom"): Daniels plays William Duncan "Will" McAvoy, the anchor and managing editor of "News Night." He describes himself as a moderate republican and hold a gruff demeanor when off camera. This is Daniels' first Emmy nomination.
Jon Hamm ("Mad Men"): Hamm received his breakthrough role in 2007 when he was cast from more than 80 candidates as Don Draper in the AMC series, "Mad Men." Don is a suave advertising executive with a hidden past that slowly makes it way to the forefront as the series unfolds. Hamm embodies the character perfectly and his subtly makes the show so enthralling that even the slightest change of character hits hard. He's been nominated every year since 2008, but has yet to take home the trophy.
Damian Lewis ("Homeland"): Lewis stars as Sergeant Nicholas Brody on the Showtime hit series "Homeland." He won the Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series last year and is gunning for yet another victory.
Kevin Spacey ("House of Cards"): "House of Cars" became an overnight success. As one of the first series Netflix released on its Watch Instantly platform, it was impossible to gage how it would fair. But with Spacey at the reigns as democrat Frank Underwood, there was no stopping it. The series is now gearing up for its second season on Netflix as Spacey is nominated for his second Emmy Award, his first with "House of Cards."
Hugh Bonneville ("Downton Abbey"): This is Bonneville's second Emmy nomination for his role as Robert Crawley, Earl of Grantham in the show "Downton Abbey."
Prediction: Bryan Cranston. He's won in the past and there are other newcomers and awardless veterans that may deserve the trophy, but it's undeniable. Cranston's portrayal of Walter White, a chemistry teacher turned megalomaniac crystal meth kingpin is the heart and soul of the entire series. The show revolves around him. He's the reason people come back. His perfect blend of sadistic tendencies, obsession with power and tender love for his family creates such a diverse and versatile character that fans are torn between love and hate. The show's is approaching its finale. Cranston deserves the award for all the hard work he's put in and the character that he's given us. He won't be around next year, at least not for "Breaking Bad," so the other contenders will have their chance once he's gone. He's a giant among giants. He's the clear winner.
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