Emmy 2013 Predictions: Stand-Up Comic Could Beat Sitcom Veterans for Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series Award [Poll]

The 65th Emmy Awards will be honoring the best actors and actresses that currently grace the small screen. The pantheon of actors nominated for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series exhibit the ability to transcend the run-of-the-mill comedic structure and incorporate sarcasm, irony and even pathos. The characters that the nominees play on screen have stayed in audiences' minds long after the credits have rolled. The actors nominated range from sitcom stars to stand-up comedians, and each one offers a unique take on comedy.

Alec Baldwin as Jack Donaghy ("30 Rock"): Alec Baldwin has won in this category twice for his hilarious portrayal of wealthy media tycoon Jack Donaghy on the NBC hit "30 Rock." Baldwin's Donaghy is a stereotypical suit-and-tie conservative mogul who has a close working relationship with Liz Lemon (Tina Fey). Baldwin plays the character as a parodic portrayal of a typical wealthy Republican by serving up hilarious, dead-pan one-liners. Although the character appears soulless, Baldwin manages to bring out Donaghy's laughable absurdity as well as his humanity.

Jason Bateman as Michael Bluth ("Arrested Development"): Bateman plays hapless Michael Bluth in the unconventionally quirky comedy "Arrested Development." Bateman's Bluth is the clueless patriarch of his bizarre family, who stepped into the leader role after his father was hauled off to prison. Although the latest Netflix comeback of "Arrested Development" left many critics disappointed, Bateman's portrayal of Michael Bluth was as pitiably funny as when the show first aired.

Matt LeBlanc as Matt LeBlanc ("Episodes"): Matt LeBlanc is superb as an over-exaggerated version of himself in the Showtime hit "Episodes," a funny, yet slightly sad parody of all that is wrong with Hollywood. LeBlanc plays a version of himself in the show that is how the outside world thinks he really is: loud, a bit obnoxious, and only able to play roles as his Joey persona from "Friends." LeBlanc, who in reality is not at all like the fictional portrayal of himself, expertly plays the role by having his fictional self use everyone's perception of him to his manipulative advantage. Much like Larry David in "Curb Your Enthusiasm," LeBlanc superbly portrays his fictional evil-twin.

Don Cheadle as Marty Kaan ("House of Lies"): Don Cheadle's Marty Kaan is a fast-talking schmoozer of a consultant who likes to engage in a hearty amount of carousing. Cheadle's Kaan seems like the most slick and disingenuous of the fictional comedy contenders, but Cheadle's portrait of Kaan reveals his more familial-- and complicated-- side by showing his rocky relationship with his son.

Louis C.K. as Louie ("Louie"): Louis C.K.'s portrayal of a version of himself in the groundbreaking FX comedy "Louie" has elevated him to pop icon status. C.K., a prolific stand-up comedian, has enraptured audiences with his extremely blunt comedy, with topics that range from his personal life to political and social absurdities. He seamlessly integrated his unique brand of comedy into an equally unique comedy series that is unlike any other current comedy on the market, aside from "Girls," which was inspired by "Louie." C.K.'s Louie is hilarious onstage, but appears depressed and introverted in real life, showing a candidly funny yet melancholy character that is perceptively real.

Jim Parsons as Sheldon Cooper ("The Big Bang Theory"): Parsons has made an indelible mark on television history with his role as quirky genius Sheldon Cooper in the hit sitcom "The Big Bang Theory," a show about a group of unlikely protagonists: science nerds. Parsons has won the Emmy Award twice for his incomparable portrayal of the OCD intellectual. Parsons plays Cooper as a tiring perfectionist who is a tinge bombastic, yet is so unaware of his social ineptitude that he comes off as endearing, and even caring.

Prediction: Louis C.K., "Louie"

Louis C.K.'s portrayal of a constantly melancholic version of himself is funny, disheartening, sometimes uncomfortable and always searingly real. His character, as well as the show's unusual format, could make him a contender to beat out sitcom vets like Alec Baldwin. Although Baldwin's depiction of Donaghy is certainly hilarious, Louis C.K.'s character and off-beat, indie version of a sitcom ushered in a new age of television that renders C.K. a veritable television pioneer.