2007 Emmy Predictions for Lead Actor in a Drama Series

The nominees for an Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series are James Gandolfini, Hugh Laurie, Denis Leary, James Spader, and Kiefer Sutherland. Here are my thoughts on each of the nominees:

James Gandolfini (The Sopranos)
"Tony Soprano"

James Gandolfini delivers a believable performance on The Sopranos. But I must admit, I might be more likely to root for him had the final season of The Sopranos aired three years ago when I still cared.

And, as if time wasn't enough to make me stop caring, the finale was. It was such a cop-out I am not even sure "finale" is an appropriate word. Not that I blame James Gandolfini for the direction of the show. It is simply a matter of, if the show had ended as brilliantly as it began, I'd more easily buy into giving Gandolfini his farewell Emmy as some symbolic gesture of his collective Sopranos performance.

So, basically what I am rambling about is this:

Is James Gandolfini worthy of an Emmy? Sure.
Am I rooting for James Gandolfini to win an Emmy? No.
Will I survive if James Gandolfini wins an Emmy? Yes.
Do I think James Gandolfini will win the Emmy? It's very possible.

Hugh Laurie (House)
"Dr. Gregory House"

Hugh Laurie has lots of fans out there. Yeah... I'm not one of them.

I find him utterly unlikable.

But then, isn't that sort of the point?

Denis Leary (Rescue Me)
"Tommy Gavin"

Of all the actors in this category, Denis Leary is the most underrated. But does he deserve the Emmy? That answer depends on what episode of Rescue Me you're watching.

Leary gives more complex performances than Laurie; but Laurie is a more consistent actor. Gandolfini, on the other hand, is more likable than both Leary and Laurie; but Leary and Laurie are more intriguing.

James Spader (Boston Legal)
"Alan Shore"

Of all the Emmy nominees for Lead Actor in a Drama, James Spader gives the most sensitive performances. And, interestingly enough, his performances almost parallel the nature of his character on Boston Legal.

Spader has developed his own quirks, similar to Laurie, which make it difficult to imagine anyone else acting his part. But his performances lack the punch of Gandolfini or Leary. He does solid work, yet he is missing that one vital scene that would lock an Emmy.

You can never count Spader out though. The Emmy crowd likes Boston Legal.

Kiefer Sutherland (24)
"Jack Bauer"

Kiefer Sutherland must be the male version of Felicity Huffman. And no, I'm not talking about TransAmerica. I'm talking about the fact, while they are fine actors, they get over-nominated.

I don't think Sutherland should have even been nominated for an Emmy this year, let alone should he win it.

Who Should Win the Emmy?

If I was voting on whose acting makes the show what it is; someone who gives strong, consistent peformances... as much as it pains me to say it, my vote would go to Hugh Laurie for House.

Who Will Win the Emmy?

I think it's tight. But I'd bet on James Gandolfini for The Sopranos.